Shettima Denies Criticising Tinubu over Emergency Rule in Rivers State

Vice President Kashim Shettima has denied making veiled criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State political crisis.

Shettima’s office described online reports suggesting his comments were aimed at Tinubu as “deliberate misrepresentation” and “intellectual dishonesty”.

The controversy surrounds Shettima’s remarks at the launch of a book titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.

During the event, Shettima recounted how former President Goodluck Jonathan considered declaring a state of emergency in Borno State and removing him from office amid the Boko Haram insurgency.

He stated that Adoke and then-House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal intervened and stopped Jonathan from going ahead with the move.

Shettima’s office clarified that his comments were historical reflections, not commentary on current political developments.

The Presidency also dismissed claims that Shettima’s comments were directed at Tinubu, describing the reports as “gross misrepresentation” of his speech.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, disagreed with the Presidency’s position, stating that Shettima spoke the truth.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Tinubu allegedly exploited the constitution to serve his political agenda in Rivers, as he has no constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.

The Rivers State crisis escalated after a faction of the State House of Assembly moved to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to violent clashes and destruction of the Assembly complex. President Tinubu responded by invoking Section 305 of the Constitution to suspend the state government and installed a sole administrator.