Politics

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

Published

4 years ago

June 10, 2022

News Net Global

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

BY CHRIS GYANG

Nothing rattles Mr. President. That is, the way the leader of a country that has fulfilled all the undignified requirements of a failed state naturally should.

Confronted with relatively less problems, leaders of other democracies, even dictatorships, have been known to quake, but gather themselves up and trudge on. But not Mr. Buhari. He appears to have crumbled a long time ago from the sheer weight of the responsibilities of governance.

Even the uptick in kidnappings for ransom, armed banditry, Fulani herdsmen’s violent land-grabbing in parts of the Middle Belt, Islamist terrorism, mind-bugling corruption in the corridors of his administration and run-away inflation, among others, do not shake our president no more. Afterall, these are the frightening outcomes of his lethargic, laid-back, leadership style.

Quite instructively, in April this year, a prestigious Scottish university shared the picture of President Buhari on twitter reclining comfortably on a settee at the presidential palace picking his teeth, obviously after a sumptuous meal. This is in stark contrast with the poverty, hunger and general state of discontent ravaging ordinary Nigerians. According to the institution, the picture was used to illustrate bad and insensitive leadership. They accurately hit the bull’s eye.

That twitter representation of our president also captured the very essence of the man and his leadership style in a country buffeted on all sides by monstrous problems, most of them caused by a leadership deficit. But even before then, because the president had continued to show an almost complete lack of interest in the burning problems threatening to over-run the country, there was a time it was widely believed that the man in Aso Rock was Buhari’s body double, a foreign impostor from Sudan known as ‘Jubril.’

Many Nigerians could not rationalize how a true national leader could display such crass ambivalence to the tempests tottering the ship of state. And although the conspiracy theory that it was Jubril of Sudan and not the ‘original’ Buhari who gave the plagiarized “I am for no one but for everyone” speech that was at the Villa was later proved wrong, Mr. Buhari has remained as aloof and absent-minded as ever.

Many other Nigerians who claimed he had dementia still hold on to that belief and cite Mr. Buhari’s tepid responses to the killings, abductions for ransom, armed banditry, armed herdsmen’s attacks, etc, as glaring examples.

But there is still a very notable exception to these. Matters of partisan politics, wielding and dispensing power (with large doses of nepotism) and choosing his own successor, excite Mr. President in no small measure. To Buhari and the core northern political, religious and feudal establishments, political power is an end in itself. They proudly call it MULKI up north and hanker after it with uncommon zeal.

For them, controlling the levers of the Federal Government is sufficient, even if large swathes of their own states are in the hands of terrorists, bandits and other well-armed gangs. For them, it is enough to be president even if your region holds the ignoble record of having the largest number of poor people and out of school children in the country, not to mention their concomitant consequences.

Unfortunately, it is these and such other beliefs that have underpinned Buhari’s administration in the last seven years. And it is on that basis that he wishes to impose another northerner on the country during his APC’s presidential convention.

It is so frightening that President Buhari’s misplaced but growing sense of entitlement, self-accomplishment and self-worth make him feel that he should be allowed by the ruling APC to single-handedly determine its presidential candidate in next year’s election. Apparently, he wants to perpetuate this sweltering nightmare, state of anomy, that has become Nigeria’s new normal since he assumed power in 2015.

In a meeting with APC governors on May 31, 2022, President Buhari spelt out his demand in no uncertain terms. DAILY TRUST newspaper (June 1, 2023) captured it this way: “President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dropped a bombshell when he told the governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow him to make a choice for his successor.”

According to the tabloid, the governors were taken aback because they had expected the president to allow them choose one of them to succeed him. But the president’s demand should not have come as a surprise to the governors because there appears to have been an understanding between them and the president on this matter. Thus, he reminded them that the Party had already put in place smooth succession plans at the local government, state and national levels.

“For example,” Mr. Buhari explained, “first term governors who have served credibly well have been encouraged to stand for re-election. Similarly, second term governors have been accorded the privilege of promoting successors that are capable of driving their visions as well as the ideals of the party.”

Aggrieved Party members in states such as Plateau who felt that their second-term governors unjustly imposed their successors in the recent primary elections now know that they did so with the tacit backing of Aso Rock. The pact was that the governors would also bend over backwards to serve the interest of Mr. President when it comes to choosing his own successor.

So if such APC members had had any hopes of extracting justice through the intervention of Mr. Buhari or their Party’s national leadership, they should kiss that hope goodbye.

Now the president wants his pound of flesh from the state governors. He is telling them that, in the spirit of give and take, they should also allow him choose the presidential candidate of the APC. During that meeting with the governors, he proceeded to pontificate about the values of democracy and the goals and benefits of good governance in a way that completely belied his democratic credentials and the way he has misled the country so far.

Hear him: “In a few days, the party will be holding its convention during which primaries would take place to pick the presidential flag bearer for the 2023 General Elections. This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.

“As we approach the Convention, I appeal to all of you to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens and the global community. Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.” Mere platitudes, as usual.

Also Read: Kashim Shettima: Victory at the end

The president even emphasized the need to meet the expectations of the global community as if he had made any spirited attempts in his seven years in office to effectively leverage on the strategic position and immense human and natural resources of the country to make it a key global player.

With an intractable Islamist rebellion and armed Fulani herdsmen’s expansionism going on almost unabated, the Buhari administration has consistently shown the international community that it lacks the moral courage and political will to put a stop to these and other forms of bloody criminality that have become the order of the day all over the country. As a result, most of the global community has now adopted a stand-and-watch attitude towards Nigeria as it goes about its half-hearted motions of battling insecurity.

It is a continuation of this that the president wants the APC to allow him perpetuate by choosing a northern candidate to succeed him. No doubt, the feeling that he wants to impose a northern candidate on the APC has caused great disquite in the ranks of the party and frayed a lot of nerves. Apparently, now that it suits their whims, power shift and zoning may as well go to the dogs. But once upon a time, in fact only about eight years ago, Buhari and the core north tightly held on to these principles with religious zeal and threatened to upset the political apple cart if they were not strictly upheld. And they had their way because good reason prevailed.

The outbursts of the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 2, 2022, at Abeokuta, Ogun State, clearly underscored this growing tension, dissatisfaction and suspicion both within the APC and the polity generally, considering the fact that it is this political party that is in charge of running the affairs of the country.

In obvious response to Buhari’s shinanigans, an apparently frustrated Tinubu declared: “If not me that led the war front, Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. He contested first, second and third times, but lost. He even said on television that he won’t contest again.

“But I went to his home in Katsina. I told him you would contest and win, but you won’t joke with the matters of the Yorubas. Since he has emerged, I have not been appointed minister. I didn’t get contract. This time, it’s Yoruba turn and in Yorubaland, it’s my tenure.”

In the last few days, there have been strong indications that the president may very likely cave in to pressure from the cabal in the Presidency, chiefly made up of his relatives and a few high-ranking officials in his government, and select between the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (an ultra-conservative core northerner) and former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Yarima (the man who first introduced Sharia as state law while he was governor) as the APC’s consensus presidential candidate. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anger must have been fueled by these widespread speculations which are gradually gaining traction.

But in a swift response, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawan, lashed out at Tinubu’s grandstanding, describing it as ‘bulshit’ (sic). Now, it’s significant to note that this is coming from a man who is one of Tinubu’s closest political allies. In fact, he was among the heavyweights that purchased the APC Presidential nomination form for Tinubu and has been a leading force in his campaign to be President in 2023.

But Lawan, a self-professed northerner, appears to have sided with the core north and Mr. Buhari against his political ally. And his vituperations would further reveal the deep-seated suspicion the core north has harboured against the Yoruba, spanning decades. VANGUARD newspaper quoted him as saying: “Sometimes it is very difficult to support a Yoruba person in national politics if you are not one.

“They have a way of making you regret your support because they eventually make you seem like a traitor to your own people. Now all these comments about Bola’s Yoruba presidency and his support of Buhari without which Buhari would not have been President is bulshit.”

He pointed out that there were many other Nigerians from other parts of the country who also contributed in making Mr. Buhari President but were “not bragging about it” and expressed regret that “You may wish to know that all of us Buhari supporters are shocked and pissed off by Bola’s speech on this occasion. It is unlike him.

“And this speech is massively trending in the North and being given a negative connotation as you can well imagine. I first read it this morning on an Adamawa group platform and the anger is palpable and all round.”

Certainly, the fact that Buhari wishes to single-handedly select the APC Presidential candidate is creating big cracks in the APC as old comrades tear each other to shreds, egged on by their deep ethnic and regional cleavages. These have now been exposed by the stress of this brutal struggle for the APC Presidential ticket. But Babachir Lawan is not yet done. He must remind the Yoruba and other Nigerians about one of Bola Tinubu’s tribesmen whose stars, he believes, were dimmed by similar attitudes.

“This appears to be the Abiola saga,” he said, “being replayed. Abiola won the election with majority Northern votes but they took the brunt of the post-election protests that followed.

“Just survey all the people that are doing more meaningful practical things to enthron (sic) Bola as President and you will find that almost all are northerners while his kinsmen engage themselves in social media activism and Northern bashing.

“When Yorubas vilify the North like this, our sense of fear and insecurity under a Yoruba presidency gets heightened and in the end, pushes us to re-think our support for not only Bola but any Yoruba as President for that matter.”

But he concluded on this rather conciliatory note: “Please, do not join our opponents to destroy our chances of clinching Monday’s primary elections.”

Nevertheless, Buhari’s consensus candidate gambit has already done irreparable damage to the APC. It can only get worse and may well be the last straw that will break this camel’s back. Buhari is taking a dangerous shot in the dark.

He is blindly groping in the dark, like he has done with the destiny of Nigerians and their motherland in the last seven years, with these catastrophic consequences. In this highly risky blind man’s buff game he is playing, the odds are dangerously high. He may just lay his hands on the wrong person. And things will definitely fall apart.

(GYANG is the Chairman of the N.G.O, Journalists Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative – JCCRI. Visit our website: https://jccri-online.org. Follow us on our Twitter handle: @jccri1. Facebook

page: facebook.com/jccrionline. Emails: info@jccrionline.org; chrisgyang01@gmail.com)

BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF

Politics

ADC Declares Itself ‘Unstoppable Force,’ Accuses APC, INEC of Undermining Democracy

Published

22 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ADC Declares Itself ‘Unstoppable Force,’ Accuses APC, INEC of Undermining Democracy

By: Michael Mike

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared itself an unstoppable political force, likening its rise to the certainty of the sun, while launching a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

In its Secretariat report presented by the National Secretary of the party, lOgbeni Rauf Aregbesola

at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the ADC said no individual, group, or institution could determine its existence, insisting that its legitimacy stems from the will of Nigerians.

The party stressed that it was founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of association and is driven by what it called widespread public frustration with economic hardship and governance failures.

Describing its mission as a “national rescue effort,” the ADC accused the APC-led administration of presiding over worsening economic conditions, including currency depreciation, rising fuel prices, and declining living standards.

According to the report, the naira’s fall from about N700 to the dollar in 2023 to roughly N1,400 currently represents a severe blow to an import-dependent economy. It also cited the sharp rise in petrol prices—from below N238 per litre to about N1,400—as a major driver of hardship, making transportation unaffordable for many workers.

The party further criticised the government’s handling of electricity supply, alleging that power conditions have deteriorated, with some areas receiving only a few hours of electricity daily.

On governance, the ADC used strong language, warning against what it described as “kakistocracy,” and accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken electoral accountability. It also faulted the administration’s education record, claiming the number of out-of-school children has increased to about 20 million, while multidimensional poverty affects over 130 million Nigerians.

The report argued that the current administration had failed to meet key promises and should be held accountable by voters.

The ADC also accused INEC of failing in its statutory duty by refusing to monitor its convention, describing the move as “dereliction of duty” and evidence of partisan bias.

Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, the party maintained that the commission is legally required to observe political party conventions, especially those involving leadership elections, candidate selection, or merger decisions.

It warned that any attempt to delegitimise its activities would undermine democratic norms and called on the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria’s political space.

Despite the tensions, the ADC expressed confidence in its growth, claiming it has rapidly evolved into a major opposition force within months of restructuring and coalition-building efforts.

The party reaffirmed its readiness to contest and provide leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to support what it described as a movement to reclaim the country.

ADC Declares Itself ‘Unstoppable Force,’ Accuses APC, INEC of Undermining Democracy

Politics

2027: Of Shettima’s remarks And Atiku’s response

Published

2 days ago

April 13, 2026

News Net Global

VP Kashim Shettima And former VP Atiku Abubakar

2027: Of Shettima’s remarks And Atiku’s response

By: Dr. James Bwala

I believe that interactions among top leaders often attract intense scrutiny and can influence public perception considerably. A recent episode involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and current Vice President Kashim Shettima provides a compelling case study on the intersection of respect, cultural values, and political discourse. Atiku’s claim of refusal to engage publicly with Kashim, labeling him as disrespectful, juxtaposed with Kashim’s assertion that his comments were merely political challenges devoid of personal offense, raises essential questions about the nature of respect in politics, especially within the cultural context of Northern Nigeria.

While respect and decorum are foundational values, particularly in traditional societies, political engagement demands a distinct understanding where robust debate and challenge are not only expected but necessary. Atiku, given his extensive experience, should recognize this distinction and refrain from conflating political contestation with personal disrespect.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-ishaya-malgwi-does-not-reflect-the-sentiments-or-intentions-of-northern-leadership-nor-the-stance-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

It is critical first to understand the cultural backdrop against which these statements were made. Northern Nigerian society places immense importance on respect, especially towards elders and those who hold traditional authority. In this context, respect is not merely a social nicety but a fundamental principle that preserves societal harmony and upholds long-standing customs. Atiku’s appeal to this cultural framework underscores a genuine concern for maintaining decorum in public discourse, reflecting a desire to keep political rivalry within respectful bounds. His position resonates with many who believe that politics should not erode the basic tenets of interpersonal respect that unify communities.

However, it is equally important to recognize that political arenas operate under somewhat different norms than traditional social settings. Politics inherently involves contestation, negotiation, and at times, confrontation. Public figures, especially those in leadership roles, are expected to engage vigorously with criticism and challenges, understanding that these encounters are part of the democratic process. VP Kashim Shettima’s response — framing his remarks as a call for transparency and accountability rather than a personal affront — exemplifies this political dynamic. In politics, questioning an opponent’s record or demanding clarification is not an act of disrespect but a fundamental exercise of democratic engagement designed to inform the electorate and hold leaders accountable.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-ishaya-malgwi-does-not-reflect-the-sentiments-or-intentions-of-northern-leadership-nor-the-stance-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

Atiku’s stance, which carefully separates political platforms from traditional ones, inadvertently blurs an important line. While it is true that traditional platforms emphasize honor and respect toward elders, contemporary political platforms must prioritize open dialogue and constructive criticism. By conflating the two realms, Atiku risks imposing cultural expectations that do not fully apply in the political sphere, which may inhibit honest debate. This conflation can be detrimental, as it discourages politicians from engaging transparently, fearing accusations of disrespect rather than focusing on the substance of their arguments.

Atiku’s considerable experience in Nigerian politics should provide him with a nuanced understanding of political etiquette—one that balances respect with the necessity for outspoken, even pointed, political discourse. Public officeholders should anticipate and accept challenges from their peers without interpreting them as personal attacks. VP Kashim Shettima’s comments, which called upon Atiku to specify his claims on mentorship of men in certain numbers, are a standard political maneuver aimed at fostering clarity and accountability. Such engagements are vital to democracy and should be welcomed rather than rebuffed.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-ishaya-malgwi-does-not-reflect-the-sentiments-or-intentions-of-northern-leadership-nor-the-stance-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

It is also worth considering the potential consequences of Atiku’s refusal to engage politically with Kashim Shettima. When senior politicians avoid direct discourse citing disrespect, it sets a precedent that political opponents cannot challenge each other robustly without incurring accusations of impropriety. This could stifle political debate, limit the electorate’s access to contrasting views, and ultimately weaken the democratic process. Healthy democracies thrive on transparent discussions where candidates and leaders openly articulate their policies, question one another’s records, and clarify positions without fear of personal reprisal.

Indeed, Kashim Shettima’s acknowledgment that his remarks were political rather than personal reflects a mature understanding of political culture. It signals a willingness to engage in substantive debate and an acceptance that political rivalry does not equate to personal enmity. This attitude should be encouraged among political leaders to foster an environment where ideas and policies take precedence over personal sensitivities. Such an environment is essential for the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy and the development of governance that truly serves the people.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-ishaya-malgwi-does-not-reflect-the-sentiments-or-intentions-of-northern-leadership-nor-the-stance-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

The response of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima illustrates the tension between traditional values of respect and the vigorous nature of political engagement. While Atiku’s emphasis on decorum and cultural respect is commendable and reflective of his roots, it is imperative that he, and by extension all Nigerian politicians, differentiate between the expectations of traditional society and the requirements of political life. Political platforms demand open, sometimes confrontational dialogue that prioritizes truth and accountability over personal feelings.

Experienced politicians like Atiku should lead by example, demonstrating that respect in politics does not imply avoiding challenge but rather engaging with criticism constructively and without personalizing disputes. This distinction ensures that political debate remains vibrant and substantive, enriching Nigeria’s democratic culture. In this light, Kashim’s remarks represent the healthy functioning of political discourse, and Atiku’s response, though rooted in cultural sensibilities, would be better served by embracing the ethos of political respect—where contestation and honor coexist to strengthen governance and democracy. Thus, it is not disrespect but democracy in action as more of these would come to play as we head towards the 2027 election campaigns.

James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Of Shettima’s remarks And Atiku’s response

Politics

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

News Net Global

Vice President Kashim Shettima.

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Insinuations by one, Mr. Ishaya Malawi, on the political happenings should be seen as the imaginations of his mindset. While he is free to make comments or statements as democratically allowed, there is a need for him to trade with caution, particularly in his attempts to drag the personality of the vice president, Kashim Shettima, into his imaginative sentiments. Recently, Mr. Ishaya Malgwi made an assertion suggesting that northern leaders might consider urging Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, to contest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This claim has sparked considerable debate and requires a measured response grounded in fact, loyalty, and an understanding of the current political trajectory of Nigeria under the APC administration. It is crucial to address this insinuation with clarity and responsibility to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and promote constructive political discourse.

Firstly, it is essential to establish that the suggestion by Mr. Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima himself. His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, is unequivocally loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and firmly committed to the collective vision and mission of the APC government. The relationship between the president and the vice president is founded on mutual respect, shared goals, and a dedication to the welfare of Nigerians. To insinuate otherwise undermines not only their personal integrity but also the unity and progress of the ruling party.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

The APC government, since its inception, has been dedicated to fostering good governance, promoting inclusive development, and ensuring security and stability across the nation. Contrary to the portrayal of a fragmented administration, the APC operates as a cohesive entity working tirelessly to address the myriad challenges facing Nigeria. The claim that the APC is running parallel or competing governments within itself is unfounded and detrimental to the image of the administration both domestically and internationally. Such assertions risk sowing discord and confusion among citizens, detracting from the government’s focus on delivering tangible results.

Also, it is important to contextualize the prevailing issues of unrest, insecurity, hunger, and dissatisfaction within a historical framework. These challenges are not novel to the Tinubu administration; rather, they are deep-rooted problems inherited from previous administrations, exacerbated over years by complex socio-economic and political factors. While the current government acknowledges these issues and is actively working toward sustainable solutions, it is misleading to suggest that these problems originated solely with the APC’s leadership. Political discourse should therefore be grounded in reality and aimed at constructive engagement rather than unfounded blame.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

Mr. Malgwi’s reputation for disseminating unsubstantiated claims and engaging in provocative rhetoric must also be considered when evaluating his recent comments. Political dialogue in Nigeria demands responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to truth. When individuals like Ishaya Malgwi resort to spreading misinformation or making baseless allegations, they do a disservice to the democratic process and undermine public trust in governance. It is imperative that criticism, when necessary, be based on factual evidence and delivered respectfully to enhance national cohesion.

In dispelling the notion that Vice President Kashim Shettima might run against President Tinubu, it is also pertinent to highlight the Vice President’s demonstrated loyalty and active involvement in advancing the administration’s agenda. Vice President Shettima’s role extends beyond mere symbolism; he is deeply engaged in policymaking, outreach, and implementation of government programs. His efforts have consistently aligned with the president’s policies, reflecting a harmonious partnership aimed at stabilizing and developing the nation. To drag his name into speculative and divisive narratives not only misrepresents his position but also risks damaging the political harmony essential for effective governance.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/umth-when-vp-kashim-shettima-acknowledges-ahidjo-and-hospital-staff-for-their-services-to-victims-of-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/

Mr. Ishaya Malgwi should know that the political unity within the APC is pivotal for Nigeria’s progress. The party’s platform is built on principles of inclusivity, democracy, and national development. Internal cohesion ensures that the party can effectively address pressing national concerns such as economic revitalization, security challenges, infrastructure development, and social welfare. Attempts to insinuate internal contests or rivalries without substantial proof serve no purpose other than to destabilize the party and distract from its governance responsibilities.

The insinuation by Mr. Ishaya Malgwi regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima’s potential opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the APC is baseless and misleading. It does not represent the views of northern leaders or reflect the reality of the administration’s internal dynamics. Vice President Shettima remains a loyal and integral part of the Tinubu-led government, which continues to pursue policies aimed at good governance and national development.

The APC is not a house divided; it is a government determined to unify Nigerians and drive the country forward. Political discourse should honor the principles of truth, respect, and constructive criticism to foster an environment conducive to Nigeria’s growth and stability. Mr. Malgwi and others must exercise caution and responsibility in their public statements to avoid unnecessary political agitation and focus instead on supporting efforts that uphold Nigeria’s democratic values and collective prosperity.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: Ishaya Malgwi does not reflect the sentiments or intentions of northern leadership nor the stance of Vice President Kashim Shettima.