The Presidency has firmly refuted reports circulating online that Vice President Kashim Shettima indirectly criticised or disapproved of President Bola Tinubu over the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The clarification comes amid widespread speculations and misinterpretations of Shettima’s comments at a public event in Abuja.
According to a detailed statement released on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the Presidency described these claims as deliberate “misrepresentation” of the Vice President’s remarks made during the public presentation of a book authored by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
The book presentation event, held on Thursday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was for the title “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block”. During his speech at the event, Vice President Shettima reportedly made historical references that some online platforms twisted to suggest that he was subtly condemning President Tinubu’s actions concerning the political turmoil in Rivers State.
However, the Presidency has categorically stated that such interpretations are completely false and misleading. The official statement clarified that Shettima’s remarks were grossly taken out of context and that they were not meant to address or criticize the Rivers State situation in any manner.
“The Office of the Vice President wishes to address and clarify recent misrepresentations regarding remarks made by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima. Certain online platforms and individuals have distorted the Vice President’s comments, falsely linking his historical references about the Jonathan administration’s consideration of his removal as Governor of Borno State during the insurgency to the current political developments in Rivers State,” part of the statement read.
It emphasized that the Vice President’s references to the past were purely to illustrate Nigeria’s constitutional growth and to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the book’s author, especially during challenging times in Nigeria’s governance history. The Presidency reiterated that Shettima’s comments should not be misconstrued as a commentary on present-day political crises.
Addressing the issue of Rivers State directly, the statement explained that President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office but constitutionally suspended him following serious political unrest in the state. This unrest included the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex and threats of impeachment, which necessitated presidential intervention under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The Presidency further highlighted that Tinubu’s actions had the full backing of a bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, reflecting a collective decision to stabilize governance in Rivers State and ensure peace among political stakeholders. The statement pointed out that this approach was a constitutional and necessary measure to address the brewing crisis effectively.
Additionally, the statement drew a clear distinction between the current Rivers State situation and the Boko Haram insurgency faced during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. It noted that while the insurgency posed a violent threat to national sovereignty and security, the Rivers crisis demanded constitutional intervention due to political instability rather than violent conflict.
“We emphasize that conflating suspension with removal is inaccurate and misleading,” the statement continued, adding that Vice President Shettima’s comments were reflections on his past experiences and the importance of strong constitutional frameworks, not criticisms of President Tinubu’s recent decisions.
In conclusion, the Presidency reiterated that Vice President Shettima fully supports President Tinubu’s constitutional actions and called on political figures, media organizations, and the public to avoid twisting public statements in ways that might incite unnecessary conflict or spread misinformation.
The statement urged Nigerians to focus on fostering unity and supporting democratic institutions, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to maintaining peace and upholding the constitution in all its decisions and interventions.