Politics

Presidency Clarifies Shettima’s Remarks on Jonathan

The presidency has dismissed reports suggesting a connection between Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. In a statement issued Friday, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice-President), clarified that Shettima’s remarks at a book launch in Abuja were purely historical and unrelated to President Bola Tinubu’s recent actions in Rivers.

The vice-president, while speaking at the launch of *OPL 245: The Inside Story of the \$1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block*, a memoir by former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke, had recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration allegedly considered removing him as Borno governor during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. He also praised the then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, for resisting the attempt, citing constitutional constraints.

Following media interpretations that framed Shettima’s comments as a veiled criticism of President Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declaration of emergency rule in the state, the presidency responded firmly, labelling such interpretations as distortions. “Some news outlets have irresponsibly twisted the vice-president’s account,” Nkwocha said, describing the reports as “a gross misrepresentation” and warning against reckless commentary that could undermine national unity.

Nkwocha emphasized that President Tinubu had acted constitutionally in addressing the Rivers situation, invoking Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution with approval from a bipartisan majority in the National Assembly. He further clarified that Fubara had not been removed from office but was only suspended as a measure to restore political stability.

He added that Shettima’s speech was part of a broader intellectual discussion on Nigeria’s constitutional journey and the demands of democratic governance. “Vice-President Shettima remains firmly aligned with the administration’s goals,” Nkwocha said, underscoring the vice-president’s ongoing commitment to national cohesion, responsible leadership, and constitutional order.

The presidency urged the public to interpret Shettima’s remarks within their proper historical context and cautioned against politicizing statements made in good faith. Nkwocha reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to democratic principles, rule of law, and the responsible use of constitutional powers in managing crises across the country.