Presidency Clarifies Shettima’s Remarks, Denies Rift Over Rivers Crisis
The Presidency has firmly dismissed claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments were a veiled criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s stance on the political developments in Rivers State, including the controversial declaration of a state of emergency.
Speaking at a book launch in Abuja on Thursday, July 10, Shettima had recalled events from 2014, when former President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly contemplated removing him as Governor of Borno State following the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and rising insecurity in the region.
During the event, Shettima narrated how former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, reportedly advised Jonathan against such a move, citing constitutional limitations. According to Shettima, the pair argued that the President lacked the authority to remove even a local government chairman—let alone a sitting governor.
The Vice President’s remarks were interpreted by some observers as a subtle jab at President Tinubu, in light of the latter’s involvement in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
However, in a press briefing held in Abuja, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, refuted such interpretations. He described the reports as a “gross misrepresentation” of Shettima’s speech, stating categorically that the Vice President remains in full support of President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers.
“There is no conflict. The Vice President stands firmly with President Tinubu on all matters relating to the situation in Rivers State,” Nkwocha affirmed.
A video of the Vice President’s remarks at the book launch has since surfaced online, offering viewers a chance to judge the context for themselves.
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