The Presidency has refuted claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent remarks at a public event in Abuja were aimed at criticising President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the 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 comments were purely historical and unrelated to current political developments.
The clarification followed media speculation that Shettima’s recounting of a past attempt to remove him as Borno State governor under the Goodluck Jonathan administration was a subtle jab at Tinubu’s recent emergency intervention in Rivers State, which resulted in the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaking Thursday at the launch of OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, a memoir by former Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke, Shettima shared how, during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, the Jonathan-led government contemplated removing him as governor.
“In the Jonathan era, there were serious discussions about removing me due to the worsening security situation,” Shettima said. “It was people like Aminu Tambuwal and Mohammed Adoke who intervened. Tambuwal told Jonathan to his face that he had no constitutional power to remove a sitting governor.”
Reacting to the reports, Nkwocha said any link between Shettima’s account and the Rivers crisis was a “gross misrepresentation” and an attempt to stir unnecessary controversy.
“Some media outlets have irresponsibly distorted the vice-president’s recount of events under the Jonathan administration,” Nkwocha said. “His speech was intended to highlight the integrity and courage of Mohammed Adoke—not to cast aspersions on the President or his recent constitutional actions.”
Nkwocha defended Tinubu’s approach to the Rivers situation, saying it adhered strictly to the 1999 Constitution.
“President Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers State was carried out with legal precision and ratified by a bipartisan majority in the National Assembly,” he stated. “It was a constitutional step to restore peace—not a move to remove a duly elected governor.”
He stressed that the action was a suspension, not a dismissal, and should not be misinterpreted.
Nkwocha also reaffirmed Shettima’s loyalty to the administration, noting that the Vice President remains committed to its vision for national unity, rule of law, and responsible governance.
“Vice President Shettima has always demonstrated unwavering support for President Tinubu’s leadership and remains committed to upholding constitutional order and stability across the country,” he said.
He urged the public and media to avoid politicising Shettima’s remarks, warning that misinterpretations could undermine national cohesion.
“Shettima’s reflections were made in good faith and within a historical context. Twisting them for political gain is not only misleading but dangerous, especially at a time when Nigeria needs unity and responsible discourse,” Nkwocha concluded.
