Vice President Kashim Shettima has firmly denied speculation of a rift between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following online reports that suggested he subtly criticized the President’s handling of the political situation in Rivers State.
In a statement issued by his office on Friday, Shettima decried what he called “deliberate misrepresentation” and “intellectual dishonesty” aimed at sowing division within the Presidency.
The Vice President’s remarks originally made during the public unveiling of OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block, a book authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, were, according to the statement, taken out of context.
“Certain individuals and platforms have stripped the Vice President’s remarks of their context to push a false narrative,” the rebuttal read.
“This is not only misleading but also a calculated attempt to fabricate a non-existent conflict within the administration.”
During his address at the event, Shettima recounted experiences from his time as Governor of Borno State during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
In his account, he recalled how the Jonathan administration allegedly contemplated removing him from office.
He explained that his remarks were intended to highlight Adoke’s role during that turbulent era, emphasizing integrity and democratic responsibility.
However, sections of the media interpreted his reflections as veiled criticism of President Tinubu’s response to the recent unrest in Rivers State particularly the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Shettima’s office rejected this connection outright, stating:
“The Vice President was not referring to Governor Fubara’s suspension or any current political matter. Any attempt to link his remarks to Rivers State is grossly inaccurate and mischief-laden.”
Clarifying the administration’s stance on the Rivers crisis, the statement noted that the President’s actions were guided by constitutional provisions.
“The President’s intervention in Rivers followed constitutional processes outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, designed to address threats to peace, law, and order in a state,” it added.
The Vice President’s office stressed that the suspension of a state official is not equivalent to outright removal, and comparing the situation to Shettima’s past ordeal under Jonathan was “a distortion driven by mischief or ignorance.”
Reiterating his allegiance, Shettima affirmed that his comments were never intended as a critique.
“He spoke extemporaneously, and always within the bounds of loyalty and respect for the President and the government he serves,” the statement said.
Calling for responsible journalism and political maturity, Shettima urged stakeholders to avoid exploiting harmless public remarks to create imaginary tensions within the government.
“This administration will not be distracted by deliberate mischief. The focus remains on delivering good governance and upholding democratic principles,” he added.
This isn’t the first time the Presidency has responded to rumours of discord between Tinubu and Shettima.
Back in September 2024, similar claims made rounds online, prompting Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, to issue a strong rebuttal.
“In the history of Nigeria’s Presidency, no vice president has enjoyed the total confidence and full support of his principal like Shettima,” Nkwocha stated during the Vice President’s 58th birthday celebration.
“In return, his loyalty to his boss, President Tinubu, is absolute and unalloyed.”
Nkwocha had further praised Shettima as a standout political figure whose relationship with the President represents:
“A refreshing shift towards harmonious collaboration in a political environment often marred by rivalry and undercurrents.”
