By Swill Mavua
In a bizarre display of political angst, or open criticism of his principal, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently proclaimed that the Nigerian president has no constitutional power to remove a serving governor. He used the interplay between President Goodluck Jonathan and himself – when he was governor of Bornu State – to point out this fact, and the role played by key government functionaries at that time.
One can’t help but wonder if Shettima is secretly auditioning for a role in a Nigerian soap opera. Or of what relevance is the statement in our body polity at this material time, particular. More so, as the statement is coming four months after his principal, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, unconstitutionally removed the sitting Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, that sparked a national outrage, which he’s yet to reverse.
Shettima’s statement must have sparked a heated debate in the corridors of power within the Villa and APC, with many pointing out the glaring contradiction between his words and the President’s actions regarding the Rivers’ governor. It’s as if Shettima is trying to solve a complex math problem, but his calculator is broken. Perhaps he’s trying to prove that the President’s powers are limited, but only when it suits his narrative.
Shettima’s lack of visibility in the political space has become a recurring theme. He’s like a ghost – everyone knows he’s there, but no one can see him. One wonders if he’s hiding behind a stack of constitutional books, trying to find the clause that makes him relevant. Perhaps, his narrative is of a scheme to hang on in office and remain relevant while the tenure lasts; as it’s almost certain that he will not make the ticket in 2027.
Matters are not helped at the rumour mills. Rumors swirl about Shettima’s relationship with the President, and his possible removal from office. Are they bosom buddies or mere acquaintances? The nation wonders if Shettima is merely a placeholder, waiting for the President’s nod to exit stage left. In the first instance his being picked as Tinubu’s running mate in 2023 was a matter of political correctness not exigency.
The recent countering of the long held claim that Bola Ahmed Tinubu made Muhammadu Buhari president in 2015, also comes to play. Shettima’s alleged role in the scheming between the Tinubu and Buhari camps raises eyebrows. Is he playing both sides or just trying to stay relevant? Perhaps he’s trying to create a new political party – the Shettima Party, with “I’m still here” as its slogan.
As the 2027 elections approach, Shettima’s prospects are as murky as the Niger Delta waters. Will he ride the Tinubu coattails or chart his own course? Maybe he’ll write a bestselling memoir, “The Vice President Who Almost Wasn’t.” That would be a great book if he has the metal capacity to see it through.
Shettima’s outburst has left many scratching their heads. Is he trying to score a political point or a politician struggling to find his footing? Only time will tell if he’ll become a footnote in history or a major player in Nigerian politics.
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