Politics
Enyi Ndigbo: Why VP Shettima deserves the title

Enyi Ndigbo: Why VP Shettima deserves the title
By: James Bwala
Kashim Shettima has an adopted son, Paul, from the Igbo extraction. His Chief Security Officer, Mr. Efeanyi, and spokesman, Mr. Nwokocha, are all from the Igbo extraction. Beyond the tales trailing the conferment of his traditional titles in Anambra State, the home of the LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Kashim Shettima has put the history of his commitment and relationship with the Igbo people beyond cheap imagination and interpretation of how and why the title of Enyi Ndigbo got to him.
So while some find the traditional title bestowed on Vice President Kashim Shettima worthy, especially those who remember history, it is natural for others, especially those on the fringe of people like Simon Okpe, to have some reservations on the traditional title bestowed on the Vice President, Senator (Dr.) Kashim Shettima by Igwe Dr. Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe Ukpo, and Clan Head of the Dunuokofia Ancient Kingdom in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria.

I have taken time to read many comments on Nigeria’s Nairaland Forum regarding the traditional title given to Shettima and what it means: “”Friends of the Igbo,” as well as other comments that follow from people who deliberately refuse to take a closer look at why Kashim Shettima deserved it.
Contrary to some insinuations, especially by those promoting the sentiments over the decision by the Igbo leaders to choose Kashim Shettima for the title, there is a need for them to understand the relationship the Vice President Kashim Shettima built over the years with prominent leaders of the Igbo people, not only when he came to office as the number two man in the country but going down the history books where it is written about Kashim Shettima and Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, and many others in the banking sector before his ascension to political prowess.

Many Igbos who live in Maiduguri know well and can tell moving stories of how Kashim Shettima, as governor, related to the Igbo community. He brought many of the Igbos closer to the government to understand their needs and also help them leave the state with equal rights as citizens. Kashim Shettima’s move wherever he pitched his tent was to unify the people, and his work since assuming office as Nigeria’s Vice President has been an effort to make Nigerians understand the kind of leadership the Tinubu Administration is trying to bring—that which reflected on the need to build unity amongst the diverse ethnicities in the country.
It was in that spirit that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Friday, hours after being in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, moved to Anambra State in southeast Nigeria, where he spoke to the people who had been said to have been marginalized politically in the country to understand the political cloud under the Tinubu administration and build confidence that the government is geared towards changing the political compass in the direction that every region and people can have a shade over their political pursuit, particularly the people of the southeast extract.

While the Vice President attended the 32nd Ukpo Ofala Celebration of His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe Ukpo and Clan Head of Dunuokofia Ancient Kingdom, he received a chieftaincy title at the Ukpo Ofala Celebration. During the ceremony, Igwe Okofia VI bestowed upon Senator Shettima the title of Enyi Ndigbo, which translates to “Friend of the Igbo People.” This did not go down well with some of the people from that region who took to their social media pages to display their ignorance of the whole thing that happened in Anambra State.
Kashim Shettima, who spoke during the ceremony, said Igbo integration into mainstream Nigerian politics has begun. That should ring a bell to many of those calling their leaders names over Shettima’s new title and taking off their posts. Shettima was quoted in a statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, on Sunday. He was quoted while speaking after the conferment of traditional titles on him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia VI), the Igwe Ukpo and Clan Head of Dunuokofia Ancient Kingdom in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government of Anambra State.
President Tinubu was honored with the chieftaincy title “Eze Udo of Igbo Land,” meaning “King of Peace in Igbo Land,” while Shettima was decorated with the title “Enyi Ndigbo,” meaning “Friend of Igbo People.”.
Shettima, who also represented President Tinubu, said the administration understood the challenges of Ndi Igbo and would work assiduously to overcome them. He said, “With our leaders like Senator Hope Uzodinma, Senator Dave Umahi, and Hon. Ben Kalu, the process of integrating Ndi Igbo into the mainstream of Nigerian politics has commenced. Senator Ifeanyi Uba has just joined the APC.
“Wherever you go in this country, if you do not see an Igbo man, you better run away from that place. Why won’t I identify with you? Rest assured that the Ndi Igbo are the heartbeat of the Nigerian nation. We will work assiduously to see that Ndi Igbo are well represented.” He said.
Kalu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the conferment of Igbo chieftaincy titles on them, saying that the conferment of the traditional titles would reinforce national cohesion and integration. Some of the people who took to their pages on social media are thinking otherwise owing to Simon Okpe’s theory, which has unsettled the Igbo communities about the realities being presented by the Tinubu and Kashim Shettima administrations.
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But while they roar, we celebrate the brave stance of the Igbo leaders for the step taken towards changing their political story on Nigeria’s landscape and their readiness to work to achieve political balancing for their children and the next generation.
As a member of the All Pioneers and Coordinators of Southern Borno APP to APC, a group of supporters of the Tinubu and Kashim Shettima administrations, we expressed delight and extended our warmest congratulations to VP Kashim Shettima on his conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title of Enyi Ndigbo. We believe that this momentous honor recognizes Kashim Shettima’s exceptional achievements, his remarkable contributions within and beyond political lines, and his enduring relationship with the esteemed people of the southeast.
For his outstanding accomplishments and positive impact. We believe that the decision to bestow this chieftaincy title on Vice President Kashim Shettima is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to fostering meaningful connections across various spheres.
As a highly accomplished politician and distinguished personality, the Vice President has continuously inspired generations with his exceptional talent and unparalleled expertise. His sterling pedigree as a performer and his extensive network of influence have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a role model and mentor to many aspiring politicians.
We applaud Kashim Shettima for his unwavering dedication to duty since he became Nigeria’s VP. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his numerous achievements have significantly impacted the lives of countless individuals, both within Nigeria and beyond. Kashim Shettima’s commitment to his community and his selfless efforts to promote democracy have garnered him immense respect and admiration.
We acknowledge the significance of this honorary chieftaincy title, as it represents not only an individual accomplishment but also a recognition of the valuable contributions made by Senator Kashim Shettima to the cultural and political landscape of the southeast region. It is a testament to his remarkable achievements and the high regard in which he is held by Nigerians who know his contribution towards balancing the political landscape in the country.
We believe the VP deserves the title, which shows his promotion of the unity of Nigeria and urges him to continue his noble work and serve as a beacon of inspiration for young politicians across Nigeria. This recognition further serves as an affirmation of his impact and a call to further contribute to the development and promotion of peace in Nigeria.
*James Bwala writes from Abuja
Enyi Ndigbo: Why VP Shettima deserves the title
Politics
2027: Coalition embarks on grassroots mobilisation to oust APC in Gombe

2027: Coalition embarks on grassroots mobilisation to oust APC in Gombe
Some opposition party members in Gombe State under the auspices of Gombe State Working Group have called on its members to work together to achieve success in 2027 elections and unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya.
Mr Jibrin Barde, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s 2023 governorship candidate who stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Gombe on Friday, said the coalition would only succeed when they work in unity and put personal interest aside.
Barde expressed optimism that the opposition coalition would defeat the ruling APC in the next general elections.
He emphasised the need for all members to embrace unity to achieve the lofty aspirations of their movement, stressing that harnessing collective strength of the coalition would help them achieve their goal.
He stated that the coalition movement was not about individuals, hence admonished the stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the fold above all else.
Barde described the APC government in Gombe as “incompetent and insensitive,” accusing it of failing to improve residents’ welfare and overall governance.
“The APC has failed in Gombe State and we can not allow them to continue their misrule which would further inflict pain on residents.
“We are here to bring better days and ensure a brighter future for all our citizens; this is why we want power to change the narrative for the good of the people,” he said.
Barde stressed the importance of mobilising grassroots politicians and leaders of thought to fortify the movement towards entrenching good governance in Gombe State.
Also speaking, Mr Adamu Modibbo, Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairman in the state, urged other political groups and residents to join the coalition to achieve inclusive governance for the state’s collective benefit.
Modibbo further urged opposition parties in the state yet to be part of the coalition to join the movement to fortify the coalition ahead of 2027.
For Labour Party chairman in the state, Mr Benjamin Abner, “this is the time to get the job done by mobilising massively to get new members and fortify ourselves for the task ahead.”
Abner urged party members to take membership drive seriously instead of waiting till 2027.
In a related development, Barde in company of Modibbo and other SDP stalwarts had on Thursday held similar meeting at Akko Local Government Area were they were received by mammoth crowd.
Barde urged the party supporters to embark on massive grassroots mobilisation across the LGA towards achieving the target of the coalition group in the state, adding that the APC was already scared of the coalition movement in the state.
2027: Coalition embarks on grassroots mobilisation to oust APC in Gombe
Politics
Enemies at the Gate: The Manipulation of VP Shettima’s Statement at Adoke’s Book Launch

Enemies at the Gate: The Manipulation of VP Shettima’s Statement at Adoke’s Book Launch
By: Dr. James Bwala
In a democratic society, it is essential for leaders to express their opinions openly, but often, their words can be misinterpreted or manipulated for various reasons. Recently, Vice President Kashim Shettima made a statement at the book launch of former Attorney General Mohammed Adoke. This statement has drawn criticism and misrepresentation from some political opponents, particularly those who do not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Understanding why enemies of democracy would want to twist Shettima’s words is crucial in analyzing the current political climate in Nigeria.

I took time to watch the mood and listen over and over to the words from the VP’s shared experiences. It is vital to recognize the broader context of politics in Nigeria. The country has faced significant challenges, including corruption, insecurity, and economic difficulties. Political opponents often seek to gain leverage by creating narratives that undermine the credibility of the current administration. By twisting Shettima’s statement, these adversaries aim to create a divide among the populace. They may hope that by sowing doubt about the vice president’s loyalty to President Tinubu, they can weaken the government’s stability and weaken support for their policies.



Again, it is understandable that political rivals may deliberately misinterpret Shettima’s words to portray the Tinubu administration in a negative light. For instance, if they suggest that the vice president expressed disdain for a particular policy or decision, this can incite public outrage and foster resistance against the government. They understand that sensationalized narratives can easily spread, especially on social media, where misinformation can go viral. This manipulation creates a dangerous environment for democracy, where facts are overshadowed by distorted versions of events.
In addition to undermining the current administration, twisting statements like Shettima’s story at the book launch can also serve to distract from pressing issues affecting the nation by redirecting public attention towards their evil intentions. This strategy benefits only those who wish to maintain the status quo or divert criticism from their inability to address significant societal challenges, and we see that coming from the coalators and their supporters. The manipulation of Vice President Shettima’s statement at Adoke’s book launch reflects a broader pattern of political maneuvering in Nigeria. Enemies of democracy often distort words to weaken the administration and distract the public from important issues. Understanding the motivations behind such actions is essential for citizens who wish to engage meaningfully in the democratic process. A well-informed public can differentiate between genuine concerns and politically motivated attacks, thereby strengthening democracy rather than undermining it.
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It is undeniable that the political landscape in Nigeria has been marked by a whirlwind of speculations and controversies. Despite the efforts of those who seek to undermine the current administration, both President Tinubu and his Vice President Kashim Shettima have shown a remarkable commitment to good governance. Their ability to navigate through political challenges is critical in ensuring that the focus remains on improving the lives of Nigerian citizens rather than getting lost in the distractions created by opponents.



The political climate is often filled with rumors and accusations that can easily divert attention from important governance issues. Some critics, often labeled as enemies of peace, thrive on chaos and uncertainty, hoping to fuel division and unrest. However, Tinubu and Shettima have demonstrated that they understand the nature of these challenges. They recognize that speculation can sometimes be a tool used to erode confidence in leadership. Instead of allowing these distractions to sway their decisions, they remain committed to their goals and the well-being of the nation.
An example of their commitment to governance can be seen in their handling of economic issues. The economy of Nigeria has faced significant challenges, including inflation and unemployment. By focusing on policies that stimulate growth and create job opportunities, Tinubu and Shettima aim to instill a sense of optimism among the populace. Their administration has introduced initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and attracting foreign investments. Through these actions, they seek to create a stable environment that benefits all Nigerians.
The administration’s approach to security illustrates their commitment to addressing critical issues facing the country. With the rise in insecurity, such as banditry and insurgency, they have prioritized national security and sought to implement sustainable strategies that ensure the safety of citizens. They understand that a secure environment is fundamental for any form of governance and development. While there may be adversities and threats from those who wish to see the presidency falter, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima remain focused on their mission. They recognize the political games at play and continue to prioritize good governance above all else. Their commitment to economic growth, security, and the betterment of Nigeria showcases a leadership that is determined to rise above distractions and deliver results for the people. By concentrating on these priorities, they aim to create a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, defying those who oppose progress.
The role of a leader is often scrutinized by the public, especially when they share their past experiences. Kashim Shettima did so at the book launch. However, discussions emerging about the Vice President’s reflections on his time as the governor of Borno State under President Goodluck Jonathan are being twisted, manipulated, misused, and misinformed. Some are quick to interpret these reflections as signs of disloyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, such interpretations often stem from misunderstanding or mischief rather than genuine criticism of the vice president’s intentions.
The efforts of those who seek to derail the Tinubu and Shettima administration are rooted in a desire for political power and influence. Critics often argue that their policies are ineffective or detrimental to the country. However, it is essential to assess the administration’s achievements and initiatives that aim to improve the lives of Nigerians. The persistent attempts to undermine the administration often backfire. Instead of weakening the resolve of Tinubu and Shettima, these efforts seem to galvanize their support base. The leaders have continued to engage with the public, emphasizing transparency and accountability, which are vital for restoring trust in government. While critics may proclaim failure, the growing support from various sectors of society indicates that many believe in the vision presented by this administration.

One could also consider that political dynamics are not fixed. Those days and now are not the same. The relationship between leaders can evolve based on the circumstances at hand. Historical examples from other countries demonstrate that past leaders have often supported each other while still advocating for their individual perspectives. For instance, leaders in various democratic nations have collaborated on initiatives even when they held different positions in government. The vice president’s memories and insights from his past governance do not imply disloyalty to President Tinubu. Instead, they reflect a commitment to learning from history and improving current governance practices. It is essential for the public to separate genuine discourse from mischief-driven narratives.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Enemies at the Gate: The Manipulation of VP Shettima’s Statement at Adoke’s Book Launch
Politics
Brazilian VP Visit: The leadership and humility in VP Kashim Shettima reaffirms the rich cultural heritage in Africa.

Brazilian VP Visit: The leadership and humility in VP Kashim Shettima reaffirms the rich cultural heritage in Africa.
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s act of opening the car door for Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin symbolizes a profound demonstration of humility not only in political leadership but also drawing from the cultural and religious agreement to give respect to one another and especially the elderly. Such gestures, though seemingly minor, convey respect and equality among dignitaries, breaking conventional barriers often associated with hierarchical power structures. This behavior challenges traditional perceptions of authority by emphasizing service over status.
The incident sparked mixed reactions online; while some critics argued that it was inappropriate for a high-ranking official to perform such a task, many praised Shettima’s conduct as an example of empathetic leadership. Humility in leadership fosters collaboration and mutual respect, qualities essential for effective diplomacy and governance. By prioritizing respectful interpersonal interactions, Shettima exemplifies how small acts can enhance diplomatic rapport and humanize political figures.
Kashim Shettima’s gesture goes beyond mere etiquette; it reflects an intentional embodiment of humility that contributes positively to international relations. His action serves as a reminder that leadership grounded in humility can bridge cultural divides and promote unity among global leaders.
I think those backlashing the vice president over his demonstrative humility fail to take a closer look at Kashim Shettima’s cultural and traditional upbringing. In many Nigerian communities, especially in the Northeast where Shettima hails from, cultural norms emphasize respect and humility as essential virtues. The phrase “Bakon Ka Annabin Ka,” which translates to “Your visitor is also your prophet,” encapsulates this ethos, underscoring the importance of honoring guests and valuing their presence regardless of status. This proverb reflects a deep-seated tradition of hospitality intertwined with reverence, which likely informs Shettima’s comportment.
From an academic perspective, understanding political figures through the lens of their sociocultural backgrounds provides richer insights into their behavior and leadership style. Demonstrative humility, often misunderstood in contemporary politics as weakness or insincerity, can instead be interpreted as an authentic expression rooted in cultural values. Thus, criticisms against Shettima overlook how his demeanor aligns with longstanding societal expectations that prioritize respectfulness and deference within communal interactions.
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By appreciating this cultural context, one can better comprehend how Shettima’s actions resonate with the constituents who share these traditional values. This appreciation fosters a more nuanced dialogue about leadership qualities that transcend mere political performance, highlighting the intricate interplay between personal heritage and public service. In this light, the backlash against his humility appears less as a critique of personal character and more as a misunderstanding of the cultural narrative that shapes his public persona. Such misinterpretations not only risk alienating leaders from their communities but also diminish the richness of cultural diversity in political discourse.
The cultural dimensions that inform leaders like Shettima to act as such are very rare. We can cultivate a more inclusive political environment that celebrates diversity and encourages genuine understanding across different societal norms. Recognizing the depth of cultural influences allows for a more empathetic and informed evaluation of leadership, where actions are seen not just in isolation but as part of a larger tapestry of inherited wisdom and community values. This perspective invites a shift from superficial judgments towards a deeper appreciation of how cultural heritage informs and enriches the leadership landscape. It is through this lens of cultural appreciation that we can begin to see humility not as a weakness, but as a profound strength that fosters unity and respect within diverse communities.
For emphasis sake, the act of Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies the deep-rooted humility embedded within African heritage and culture, particularly in the context of respecting elders. The Brazilian vice president, being an elderly man, received from Shettima a gesture that goes beyond mere protocol; it reflects a cultural ethos where reverence for age and status is paramount. Such humility is not only a personal virtue but also a communal value, central to African traditions where respect forms the foundation of social interactions. This behavior aligns with Shettima’s well-documented philosophy of humble service and consideration for others, which has been highlighted as characteristic of his leadership style.
Those who dismiss these actions as insignificant or contrary to African values either misunderstand or lack the humaneness intrinsic to this culture. In essence, Shettima’s conduct reaffirms the rich cultural heritage that prioritizes dignity and respect in interpersonal relations.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Brazilian VP Visit: The leadership and humility in VP Kashim Shettima reaffirms the rich cultural heritage in Africa.
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