Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, has subtly indicated his disagreement with President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The declaration, made on March 18, 2025, was prompted by what Tinubu described as a “deeply disturbing political crisis” in the state.
The president accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly building, an action that led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was subsequently appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
However, during a public event on Thursday, Shettima hinted at his reservations about the move by recalling a similar situation during his tenure as Governor of Borno State under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the launch of a memoir by ex-Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke, Shettima revealed that Jonathan had attempted to remove him from office but was advised against it by Adoke and then-House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.
According to Shettima, Tambuwal had told Jonathan, “Your Excellency, you don’t have the power to remove even a councillor of a local government.” Shettima praised Adoke for his courage in standing by the rule of law, noting that the former justice minister had firmly opposed Jonathan’s plan.
Shettima’s remarks have fueled speculation about a growing rift between him and Tinubu, particularly amid rumours that the president may drop him as his running mate in the 2027 elections.
The vice-president’s decision to reference a past constitutional conflict suggests a subtle critique of Tinubu’s recent actions, raising questions about the unity within Nigeria’s leadership.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
