National

Shettima’s Veiled Indictment: Road to APC’s Implosion?

Published

9 months ago

July 14, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It appears the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is fast becoming a victim of it own machinations and traps against dissenting voices and opposition. Just like in the game of football when strikers of a team launch out deep into the opponents goal area, leaving their own back unattended to. There’s always a tendency that there a fast break, and the attacking opponent will be attacked.

This is the scenario that has been painted in the affairs of the APC since the July 2 emergence and adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the preferred platform of the coalition of parties and likeminds to actualize their 2027 political ambition.

Beyond the rhetorics and propaganda that have trailed the public pronouncement from members of the two parties, the speech of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the launch of a book, by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, titled “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block,” appears to a lot observers and stakeholders as an own goal. A product of a house ostensibly divided against itself.

Observers say the speech, and it’s intended and unintended innuendo appear to have created a crevice in the fragile unity of the ruling party.

In apparent stand to discredit former President Goodluck Jonathan, and appreciate his long-term friend, Adoke, Shettima had recalled how the former AGF saved his office, maintained his stand and told the then President that he has no power to remove an elected governor from office. This was in the hay days of the Boko Haram menace in the North, especially the North East. The comments gained instant traction on the social media space as interpretations of all kinds flew across boards, the major among them being that the Vice President has indicted his principal, President Bola Tinubu for removing the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials.

According to Shettima in the remark, which was obviously unscripted, and which he spoke extempore, “in the final four years of President Jonathan’s government, I was the most demonised person in the country. I was public enemy number one,” he said.

The VP claimed that a plan to unseat him was discussed at high-level meetings involving key government figures, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“At one of those meetings, former President Jonathan suggested removing me as Borno governor. Aminu Tambuwal, then Speaker of the House, boldly told him, ‘Mr. President, you do not have the powers to remove an elected councillor, let alone a governor,’” Shettima recounted.

The idea was later raised again at a Federal Executive Council meeting but was dismissed as unconstitutional by then AGF Adoke.

“Adoke stood firm and told the President that he lacked the constitutional power to remove a sitting governor,” Shettima said.

They even sought the opinion of another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Turaki, who agreed with Adoke. That was how the matter ended.”

He noted that the incident forged a lasting bond between him, Adoke, and Tambuwal. Shettima praised Adoke for standing by legal principles and commended his ability to move past old political tensions.

The remarks of the VP touched many spots, and caused a chain reaction with many linking it to President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Fubara.

But in a swift reaction, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima’s comment was misinterpreted.

In a lengthy statement, Nkwocha clarified as follows:

No Link Between VP Shettima’s Remarks At Book Launch And Certain Online Reports

The Office of the Vice President has noted with serious concern the gross misrepresentation of remarks made by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima
@officialSKSM, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during the public presentation of the book “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” by Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Certain online news outlets and individuals have distorted the Vice President’s comments in pursuit of a mischievous agenda, twisting his account of how the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan considered removing him from office—then as Governor of Borno State—at the height of the insurgency in the North East region.

This sensational reporting, which strips the Vice President’s remarks of their proper context, ventures into fiction by drawing false equivalence between his personal experience and the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, as well as the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
@officialABAT
, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We wish to state categorically that Vice President Shettima’s comments were made within the context of acknowledging the author’s professional conduct during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation—a tribute to his public service record. His remarks were historical references to events during the Jonathan administration and were intended as a discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution. They served to highlight how complex federal-state tensions have been managed through legal mechanisms and the country’s progress in that regard.

For the avoidance of doubt, President Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. The constitutional measure implemented was a suspension, not an outright removal. This action, along with the declaration of a state of emergency, was taken in response to the grave political crisis in Rivers State at the time. The situation was unprecedented, with the State House of Assembly complex under demolition and the Governor facing a looming threat of impeachment by aggrieved members of the legislature. No objective observer can deny that this decisive intervention by the President brought stability and calm to Rivers State.

This situation is not comparable to that of the North East under the Jonathan administration, where violent non-state actors were directly challenging the sovereignty of the Nigerian state, demanding unified action by both federal and state authorities to confront terrorism. In contrast, President Tinubu acted strictly within constitutional limits and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and restore order in Rivers State.

Nigeria’s laws provide a clear framework for addressing such matters. Section 305(3)(c) of the Constitution authorises extraordinary measures when there is “a breakdown of public order and public safety in the federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security.”

The situation in Rivers State clearly met this constitutional threshold, with persistent politically motivated violence, systematic attacks on federal institutions, and near-complete paralysis of governance—conditions intolerable in any democratic society. According to credible security reports, these acts even escalated into attacks on national assets.

President Tinubu acted with constitutional fidelity. His proclamation invoking Section 305(2) was ratified by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the National Assembly, as required by Section 305(3).

This cross-party consensus in suspending the government of Rivers State, led by Sim Fubara, reflects a shared understanding among our elected representatives that the situation had reached a point of constitutional necessity, requiring immediate federal intervention.

Clearly, without mincing words, the action of President Tinubu in suspending Mr Fubara and others from exercising the functions of office averted the Governor’s outright removal. To conflate suspension with removal is misleading. Therefore, interpreting Senator Shettima’s remarks as commentary on current events is either a wilful misrepresentation or a deliberate neglect of constitutional context.

The Vice President, speaking extemporaneously, focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and on the enduring principle of accountability in public service. His historical references were made to illustrate the principled stands taken by past public servants, as well as his personal ties to Mohammed Bello Adoke and former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. His remarks were not in any way a criticism of President Tinubu’s actions, which the Vice President and the entire administration fully support and stand by without reservation.

Vice President Shettima stands in loyal concert with President Tinubu in implementing these difficult but necessary actions to safeguard our democracy. We urge media organisations and political actors to desist from the destructive practice of wrenching statements from context in order to fabricate nonexistent conflicts.

Long before now, unconfirmed stories have continued to find their ways into the media space, claiming that all is not well with the relationship of Tinubu and Shettima, a situation the preaidency has denied, and continued to deny.

Tinubu removed Fubara and the Rivers state legislators on March 18, 2025, following a long drawn political upheaval in the state, between the governor, and his predecessor; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which defied all logical reconciliation. The suspension, according to Tinubu, who claimed he invoked section 305 of constitution, is for an initial six months.

National

Ali Ndume Accuses FG of Insincerity in Fight Against Insecurity

Published

1 week ago

April 14, 2026

Eric

Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has argued that Nigeria’s lingering insecurity could be decisively tackled within six months if the Federal government demonstrates sufficient commitment.

Ndume stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he expressed concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly in the North-East.

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The lawmaker stressed that beyond complaints, what is required is decisive action and political will.

“It is not about complaining. It is not about asking somebody like me as a senator to say why these things. I always believe that if the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria are serious about this, we can end this thing (insecurity) in six months.

“All we need is to train our soldiers, equip them, arm them very well, and then motivate them,” Ndume said.

The senator lamented the continued loss of military personnel, including senior officers, noting that such incidents highlight deeper operational challenges.

“After killing their commanders, they now come back to kill our commanders and they are still taking about five, six, or even seven. Even today, around Northern Borno, we lost a colonel, I understand, with some soldiers. This should not continue. This is now the problem,” he said.

Ndume also attributed the worsening security situation to inconsistent and incomplete implementation of security strategies.

“The escalating security situation has really been enhanced by the challenge and the threat, and the actions that have been taken that have never been completely done. We have to be very serious about this matter; we have to walk the talk.”

Speaking on the issue of foreign support, the lawmaker emphasised the need for intelligence, technology, and specialised expertise rather than relying on external forces.

“What we need is intelligence. What we need is air support. We also need the expertise of those that are specialists. We even have some that were trained outside, special forces. We have capable hands already on the ground; all they need is equipment, ammunition, and motivation.

“We do not have enough drones. Look at what Burkina Faso is doing, it is technology. We can use technology to finish or minimise these things within the shortest possible time. If you deploy drones and have trained people to operate them, with proper command centres, we can achieve results,” he said.

The Borno South senator further noted that Borno State would have suffered greater devastation without the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum and commended his interventions in stabilising parts of the State.

Ndume’s comments come amid renewed security concerns in the North-East and across Nigeria.

A recent airstrike at Jilli Market along the Yobe–Borno border on Saturday has come under scrutiny over reported civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Air Force said the strike targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents and that it is investigating reported civilian casualties.

While casualty figures remain unclear, several deaths and injuries were reported, with victims receiving treatment in nearby facilities.

The incident also followed a deadly attack on Thursday on a military formation in Benisheikh, where troops repelled insurgents but suffered casualties.

Security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes, persist nationwide.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, during a recent visit to Bayelsa State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

Earlier, the United States Department of State had issued travel advisories and begun reducing its staff presence in Abuja. Federal government, however, described it as a routine precaution and not a reflection the country’s security situation.

National

200 Feared Killed As Military Airstrikes Hit Yobe Market

Published

2 weeks ago

April 12, 2026

Eric

At least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a village market while pursuing Islamist militants in the northeast ‌of the country on Saturday night, a councillor for the area and residents said on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Air Force said it had killed Boko Haram militants in the Jilli axis in Borno state, but in a statement released to Reuters on Sunday it did not mention hitting a market. It did not respond to further requests for comment.

The government of the neighbouring ⁠Yobe state later said in a statement that an air strike on the area had been conducted near a market that people were attending.

“Some people from Geidam LGA (local government area) bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected,” said Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, military adviser to the Yobe state government.

He gave no further details.

The strike occurred in a village in Yobe on the border with Borno, the heartland of a long-running insurgency that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.

Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, the councillor and traditional head of ‌Fuchimeram ⁠ward in Yobe’s Geidam district told Reuters that those injured were being taken to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.

“It’s a very devastating incident at Jilli Market. As I’m speaking to you, over 200 people have lost their lives from the air strike at the market,” he said in a telephone interview.

Three other residents and ⁠an official from an international humanitarian agency confirmed the strike and likely death toll.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said it had received preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli Market “which reportedly resulted in casualties affecting some ⁠marketers” and activated emergency response.

Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old resident who sells medical consumables at the market, said he had been injured in a blast.

Culled from Reuters

National

FG Expels US Missionary Alex Barber

Published

2 weeks ago

April 8, 2026

Eric

The Federal government has expelled American missionary, Alex Barber, citing concerns over statements it says could inflame tensions and worsen divisions, especially in Plateau State.

The decision follows growing controversy surrounding his activities in Nigeria’s North-central region, where authorities allege his comments are capable of inciting unrest.

Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), confirmed the development during an appearance on TVC.

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“Yeah, so we’ve realised what Alex Barber has done, so I must inform that Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria,” she said.

“He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division.”

Essiet further linked his remarks to violence in Jos, claiming:
“Immediately after he made his speech in Jos, a lot of people didn’t know that two people, two Muslims, were killed immediately after his speech.

“Because of the impact of this provocative speech, which he has been making, he was sent out of the country and is no longer in Nigeria.”

Barber, a former American football player turned missionary, gained attention for humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected communities in Benue and Plateau states.

Through his initiative, Building Zion, and in collaboration with a US-based NGO, he participated in rebuilding homes and supporting displaced residents.

At Yelwata in Benue State, he reportedly helped reconstruct dozens of houses destroyed during attacks. During a project event in January 2026, he said, “So far, we have rebuilt 35 housing units… The joy among the people is overwhelming.”

Community leaders and some residents praised the intervention.

Julius Joor, the traditional ruler of Yelwata, said, “For the first time, private individuals have come to our aid in such a massive way. You have restored hope and happiness to our people.”

Similarly, legal practitioner Franc Utoo noted, “You have done what both the federal and state governments have failed to do.”

Despite the humanitarian work, Barber’s public statements increasingly drew criticism. In interviews and online posts, he described violence in the Middle Belt as organised and systematic.

Speaking to News Central Television, he said: “This is not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people.”

He also questioned official positions, asking: “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”

His remarks, including criticism of government institutions and handling of the crisis, amplified his global profile but sparked backlash locally.

Critics argue his framing oversimplifies a complex situation involving banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and insurgency.

Some also accused him of presenting the conflict largely along religious lines, warning such narratives could heighten tensions.

A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, urged authorities to investigate his activities, saying they could “threaten public peace,” while cleric Ahmad Gumi also raised concerns about his rhetoric.

In a petition to security agencies in Plateau State, Aliyu Naziru alleged Barber was present at a violence scene under unclear circumstances and called for a probe. However, there is no confirmed evidence linking him to any criminal act.

Supporters insist Barber was drawing attention to neglected crises. Religious figures, including COCIN priest Ezekiel Dachomo, defended his efforts and cautioned against attempts to silence him.

Responding to criticism, Barber said: “They haven’t talked about me rebuilding villages… but when I speak out… then all of a sudden [they react].”

He maintained that victims across religious groups have suffered attacks, citing incidents in several northern states.

Analysts note that while freedom of expression is recognised, Nigerian laws restrict speech capable of inciting violence or public disorder, particularly in sensitive regions. Authorities also retain the power to deport foreigners whose actions are considered against national interest.

Essiet said the government acted to prevent further division, drawing a comparison with past global conflicts.

“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” she said.

“I’ve been to Rwanda a couple of times… As simple as this whole narrative of what Alex Barber was saying is what some foreign actors did in Rwanda… and that led to a massive genocide.”

“Based on our experience, we don’t want Nigeria to follow that path… We must not allow people who do not understand the history of our crises to divide us.”

Barber denied allegations linking his statements to violence.

In a Facebook post, he said: “Let it be known that if Abiodun Essiet… made this statement, they are directly lying to the Nigerian and international community.

I’ve never heard of this person, nor had conversation with them.”