Opinion

𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚

Published

3 years ago

June 17, 2023

𝓑𝔂 𝓐𝓫𝓭𝓾𝓵𝓴𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓶 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓪

When it comes to commenting on political controversies, I am typically a hesitant participant. However, the current discussion around the Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has struck a personal chord with me, compelling me to take a more active role.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has recently come under fire for his remarks about the equitable credentials of the President of the 10th Senate in Nigeria.

Shettima, a prominent northern Muslim politician, was criticized for allegedly denigrating his Muslim faith and promoting religious bias in his comments.

However, a closer examination of his statement and context reveals a different picture, one that is more nuanced and fair-minded.

Firstly, it is essential to note that Shettima’s statement was not made in a vacuum; instead, it was a response to the possibility and necessity of a southern Christian becoming the Senate President of the newly constituted 10th National Assembly. This position has become a non-negotiable right of the southern Christians, as per the default created after the 2023 presidential election.

In that context, Shettima said he would prefer a southern Christian, even if less qualified, than a northern Muslim perceived as more competent.

Of course this statement may sound controversial, but it is not without some merit.

Shettima’s point was that there should be some measure of balance and inclusiveness in the distribution of political power in Nigeria. He argued that it would be unfair for the Senate presidency, which is one of the top positions in the country – number two in the line of succession, to always go to the Christians in the South, especially as the President and his VP share the same faith.

In that sense, his statement was not meant to denigrate his Muslim faith but to promote fairness and diversity in political representation.

Moreover, it is worth noting that Shettima himself is a devout Muslim who has always respected his religion and its teachings. He has been a champion of education, healthcare, and humanitarian causes in his home state of Borno, ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of violence. He has also been a vocal advocate of peace, tolerance, and cooperation among different religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria. Therefore, it is improbable that someone of his calibre and stature would throw caution to the wind to make a statement that is deliberately offensive or divisive. He is too smart for that.

Some critics may argue that Shettima’s statement is still problematic because it perpetuates the notion of religious and regional quotas in politics. However, this argument misses the point that quotas are not necessarily discriminatory or unconstitutional if they promote diversity and inclusiveness and do not result in the exclusion and marginalisation of any group.

Some may argue that fairness should have been factored into the selection process for the presidential and vice-presidential flag bearers of his party. However, it is a fact that politicians are free to explore every legal avenue to win elections, including running with a ticket based on their shared faith. During campaigns, candidates are free to do what they need to do to win votes because if they lose, they bear the heavy burden of ridicule and regret alone. After the elections, the actions of the newly elected public officials are strictly guided by the laws of the land. Personal interests are no longer permitted to influence their decisions. This is when the importance of fairness and balance, in line with the nation’s diversity, is emphasised. This was precisely what the President and Vice President were prioritising during the selection process for the third and fourth highest leadership positions in the country.

In light of these facts, it is fair to say that Shettima’s statement, which is not even controversial, was not malicious or ill-intentioned. He spoke within the context of fairness and diversity, and he did not mean to harm or insult anyone. Therefore, it is important for Nigerians, especially northerners who may feel aggrieved or offended by his statement, to avoid twisting things and feigning ignorance about his good intentions.

British-American author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek once said that “feigned ignorance is a hallmark of the manipulator, and the sign of a deceiver,” even as America’s philosopher and poet TF Hodge, cautioned that “feigning ignorance may protect the ego, but it never leads to enlightenment.” The political leaders in opposition from the North should avoid promoting division or hatred by being disingenuous.

Nigerians, especially northerners, should avoid twisting Senator Shettima’s words and ignoring his good intentions. Instead, they should engage in constructive dialogue and debate the best ways to promote unity, progress, and justice in Nigeria.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that Shettima’s statement should not be seen in isolation from the broader political context of Nigeria. The country has been grappling with many challenges, including insecurity, corruption, economic inequality, and political instability. These challenges have often been exacerbated by ethnic and religious tensions, which have fueled violence and disunity. In that sense, Shettima’s call for balance and political representation should be seen as a positive step towards addressing these challenges and fostering national cohesion and development.

It is also worth noting that VP Shettima’s statement is not unique or unprecedented in Nigerian politics.

Many politicians and leaders have expressed similar views and preferences based on their interests, ideologies, and constituencies. However, what sets Shettima apart is his sincerity, integrity, and commitment to public service. He has proven himself to be a capable and compassionate leader who is dedicated to loyalty and supporting his principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or social status. Nigerians, especially northerners, should give them the benefit of the doubt and avoid jumping to conclusions or making hasty judgments that promise nothing but division.

Opinion

OF GOVERNANCE AND THE ZULUMFICATION OF GOVERNANCE IN BORNO: RANDOM MUSSINGS ON GOV. ZULUM’S 3RD YEAR 2ND STANZA.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

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By: Inuwa Bwala. inuwabwala3@gmail.com

By the time I put down my pen, the media space would have been awash with narratives about the achievements of Mr President and governors, as a mark of celeberation of their third year in office.
I will not bother chronicling what will be told of their achievements, rather I want to look into the curious magic wand that made my own governor to stand differently tall.
One will not find the definition of title coinage for this piece in any conventional English lexicon, but no Nigerian will claim ignorance of what it signifies in our present governance discourse.
Many words have today been personified after certain people, who popularize an idiosyncritic mannerism.
And so, in Borno’s 15-year war against insurgency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum seem to have chosen an unconventional playbook: governance style, reminisceint of an emergency doctor, not a distant administrator, which led to above coinage.
Three idiosyncrasies define his second term in particular, and the gains are showing on the ground to the effect that, these idiosyncracies gave rise to the coinage: Zulumfication.

Zulum’s trademark has been his unannounced visits; 2am checks on General Hospitals, surprise trips to IDP camps in Monguno, Baga, Damboa and others. Sudden stops on bad roads in Gwoza and unsheduled night overs in dangerous localities, as his routine.
He inspects projects with torchlight and asks hard questions: sometimes sacking absentee staff on the spot.
And the gains have added speed and discipline to government Contracts and civil servants.
They promptly deliver, knowing Zulum could appear any day any time.
This obviously explains how, 238 projects got completed in year one of his second term and 1,195 projects in five years. That urgency earned Governor Babagana Umara Zulum the Nigeria Union of Journalist’s Good Governance Award on Education in 2023.
And while Borno spent about N100bn on security in 2025, Zulum kept prioritizing people, with N727m going to 28,801 tertiary students. N1.5bn covered nursing students’ fees, besides the cash support reacheming 343,293 women.
His logic, has been that, “Education is the real antidote for insurgency. The payoff is human recovery.
Records indicate that, over 1,000 teachers were recruited, 150+ schools rebuilt, and the 104 Mega School Initiative launched. And so, when President Tinubu commissioned three mega schools in Maiduguri in 2026, he called them “tangible evidence of effective governance.” Kids who once hawked on Maiduguri streets are back in class because opportunity replaced despair.

Again, Zulum is known to have zero tolerance for waste. He has queried commissioners live on TV, sacked ghost workers, and confronted contractors who abandoned sites. It nay be uncomfortable in politics, but it works. Borno scored 89.7/100 on the 2025 Governance Accountability & Transparency Index, up from 86.3 in 2024, ranking among Nigeria’s top 10. Ministries now expect scrutiny, and leakages have shrunk.

Zulum blends this with reconstruction plus reconciliation. While 20,000+ resettlement homes house over 1 million returned IDPs, his “Borno Model” has convinced 200,000+ fighters and families to surrender and got reintegrated. Markets in Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza are reopening. Roads are being rebuilt, though insecurity still stalls some projects in southern Borno.

He remains low-profiled but with very high-output, avoiding political noise and letting the work speak. The Muslim News Nigeria honored him with its 2025 Transformational Leadership Award for “courage, accountability, compassion.”

Perfection is not claimed. Pockets of violence persist, and security costs strain finances, but Zulum’s style proves a point
In a crisis situation, presence builds trust, empathy rebuilds people, and accountability restores institutions. Borno is moving from “state of emergency” to “state of reconstruction” — one unannounced visit produces uncommon results.
Thiese in my opinion are amingst the exceptional things governor Babagana Umara has done, which have given rise to his national acclaim as an outstanding performer.

Opinion

Aondoakaa, a Leader Who Opens Doors: My Personal Story of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN

Published

3 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

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By Iorwuese Tyopev, PhD

Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, is, in my experience, a transformational leader, and I can personally testify to this from years of direct engagement with him.

Although I initially knew him only casually as an elder brother from Ushongo, our relationship deepened when I approached him to patronise the business I managed as a hotel manager in Abuja. From that point, Siman Suites in Garki became his preferred accommodation whenever he was in the Federal Capital Territory.

Each time he was travelling to Abuja, his usual call would come: “Tyopev, my brother, please keep a room for me, I’m on my way.”

A defining moment in 2006

One of the most memorable moments in our relationship came in 2006 when he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). For his swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court, he booked almost the entire hotel for family, friends, and well-wishers who travelled from far and near to celebrate with him.

Beyond the business value, his consistent patronage strengthened my professional standing at the time and positively influenced my performance evaluation at work.

Continued relationship in public service

Our relationship continued after his appointment as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in July 2007 under the administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Coincidentally, around the same period, my late boss, Senator J.I. Akaagerger, was elected into office and invited me to serve as his Senior Legislative Aide at the National Assembly. Chief Aondoakaa also expressed interest in bringing me into the Ministry of Justice as an aide. Although I chose to remain with my principal at the National Assembly, he respected my decision and maintained a cordial, brotherly relationship with me.

Prison decongestion intervention

Shortly after assuming office as Minister, he launched a prison decongestion initiative. In September 2007, I submitted an application requesting allocation of prison decongestion cases. He immediately asked whether I had legal representation, and upon confirmation, he promptly assigned several cases to me.

That support continued throughout his tenure until 2010.

Career support and mentorship

By mid-2008, I expressed dissatisfaction with my role at the National Assembly. He advised patience and assured me of better opportunities.

True to his word, in January 2009, he informed me of an opportunity with Dr Paul Orhii, then Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who agreed to engage me as Special Assistant.

Although I resumed duty, I was later informed—within 30 days—that my services were no longer required due to a change in preference. Chief Aondoakaa was abroad at the time, but upon his return, he reassured me, saying: “Don’t worry, another opportunity will come.”

New opportunity at NAPTIP

Shortly after, I was invited to his residence in Apo, where I met Barr. Simon Chuzi Egede, MON, who had just been appointed Executive Secretary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

There, I was informed that I would serve as Special Assistant to the new Executive Secretary.

In a remarkable turn of events, I received my appointment letter the next day as Special Assistant at Grade Level 16 Step 5, along with an official vehicle and chauffeur. I was also integrated into top management committees and exposed to both national and international engagements.

End of an era and lasting gratitude

Following the death of President Yar’Adua in 2010 and subsequent political changes, Chief Aondoakaa left office as Minister, which also affected my position at NAPTIP due to its political nature.

Looking back, I remain deeply grateful to Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, for his loyalty, mentorship, and willingness to uplift others.

Some leaders inspire with words; others transform lives through action. Chief Aondoakaa, in my experience, belongs firmly to the latter category.

NB: This is Part 1 of a series of reflections on my personal experience with MKA, highlighting his mentorship and support to those around him, shared in anticipation of his birthday on June 12.

Opinion

Odua People’s Assembly defends NSA Ribadu, criticizes Ishola Williams’ call for removal

Published

3 months ago

March 18, 2026

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The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has come out in defense of National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, condemning recent remarks by retired Nigerian Army General Ishola Williams calling for Ribadu’s removal.

In a statement issued by OPA Chairman Richard Olatunji Kayode, the group described Williams’ comments, made during a Channels Television interview on March 15, 2026, as “irresponsible and counterproductive,” arguing that they lacked factual basis and risked undermining efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

“His assertions lack factual support and are driven more by emotional manipulation than by evidence-based reasoning,” Kayode said. “Such rhetoric contributes to a culture of ‘permanent pessimism’ that undermines the morale of our security forces and the integrity of our national institutions.”

Kayode emphasized that irresponsible criticism, unlike constructive feedback, damages reputations, fosters mistrust, and distracts from meaningful solutions.

He urged that public discourse focus on actionable measures rather than unsubstantiated accusations.

The OPA highlighted Ribadu’s proactive initiatives, including the National Forest Guard programme, as well as his record as former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he gained recognition for anti-corruption efforts.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu has been recognized for his effectiveness in combating banditry and terrorism. His ability to coordinate security forces and solve criminal cases demonstrates his competence and dedication to public safety,” Kayode said.

The group called on influential Nigerians to engage in responsible and constructive dialogue on national security issues, urging Williams to reconsider his position and contribute to solutions rather than criticism.

“Our collective responsibility is to foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and constructive criticism, ensuring that our security forces are equipped and supported to protect our great nation,” Kayode concluded.