The Presidency has firmly rejected media reports attempting to connect Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks at a Thursday book presentation to the current political situation in Rivers State. In a clear statement issued Friday, the Vice President’s media office stressed that Shettima’s comments about past political tensions during the Jonathan administration were being dangerously misrepresented as commentary on President Tinubu’s recent actions regarding Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, described these interpretations as “a gross misrepresentation” that could harm national unity. He emphasized that Shettima was simply recalling a 2014 incident when former President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly considered removing him as Borno State governor during the peak of Boko Haram insurgency, not making any veiled references to current events in Rivers State.
The clarification came after some news outlets suggested Shettima’s speech at the launch of former Attorney General Mohammed Adoke’s book about the Malabu oil deal contained implicit criticism of Tinubu’s constitutional suspension of Governor Fubara. The Presidency maintains this suspension was legally executed under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution due to the political crisis in Rivers, contrasting it with the unconstitutional removal attempt Shettima described from the Jonathan era.
Key Clarifications from the Presidency
✔ Historical Context: Shettima’s remarks focused solely on a 2014 incident when ex-President Jonathan allegedly contemplated removing him as Borno governor
✔ No Current Parallels: Emphasized the VP wasn’t commenting on Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Gov. Fubara
✔ Legal Distinction: Noted Tinubu only suspended (not removed) Fubara per Section 305 of the constitution
✔ Media Warning: Accused outlets of “reckless endangerment” for twisting the VP’s words
What Shettima Actually Said
• Recalled how ex-AGF Adoke blocked Jonathan’s alleged unconstitutional move against him
• Praised Adoke’s courage during Boko Haram crisis when Borno needed stability
• Framed story as example of constitutional democracy maturing
Why This Matters
🔹 Prevents false narratives about Tinubu-Shettima rift
🔹 Clarifies constitutional basis for Rivers emergency measures
🔹 Shows administration’s sensitivity to North-South political tensions
Presidency’s Verbatim:
“The VP’s remarks were historical references, not commentary on current events. We reject attempts to manufacture conflict where none exists.”
