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Garlands For Kashim Shettima @59
Garlands For Kashim Shettima @59
By Inuwa Bwala
He does not encourage people to celebrate his birthday anniversaries with too much fanfare, but like the proverbial gold fish, he has nowhere to hide.
It is not surprising therefore that, the media space is awash with tributes and goodwill messages as he clocks 59.
There is nothing one may write about Kashim shettima, that is new. People have portrayed him in different lights, depending upon their dispositions.Some have portrayed him as a hero, while others have villified.
One fact about him, which nobody can take away, remains his ability to spin his audience with such intellectual candour that make people cheer him on in his public presentations.
Give him any subject to speak on, and he will speak on it with so much authority, such that one wonders what his field of specialisation is.
Very often, people who listen to Kashim Shettima, Nigerias 15 Vice President speak at public functions, mistake him for a motivational speaker.
He has been often described as a wordsmith, spinnjng the Enlish language so well that leaves even the English man in awe.
With such a man as the face of any government, his principal can go to sleep with both eyes closed.
In whatever way people present him, good or bad: Kashim Shettima always maintains a dignified response, very often in silence.
He is always passionate about peaceful relationships and shows tolerance for any form of misendeamour.
Amidst spurious brandings and mindless allegations, Shettima always extends hands of fellowship to his traducers. Some people may wonder, what manner of man is Kashim Shettima.
I have often maintained that, trying to say everything about Shettima is like the futility of attempting to label an elephant from a particular standpoint.
He is so large that one needs to go round to get a near adequate description of him.
When we talk about Kashim Shettima’s intellectual dexterity and political sagacity, people say we are hero- worshipping him, but two years as Vice President of Nigeria, may have showed the world, the stuff, he is made of. Again, when we speak about his generousity and benevolence, they accuse us of being psychopaths but his interaction with people has vindicated us.
Very often, whenever we preach about his liberalism and statesmanship, they think we are being local, but everybody seems to be agreeing with us today that Kashim Shettima is many more virtues woven together.
Before coming on the national stage, many people fismissed him as a greenhorn, but his outings have no doubt bern presidential since then.
His combination with Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven bookmakers wrong, and contrary to the initial scepticism, the country seems to be getting back on track after years of backdliding.
The obvious poser on the lips of many Nigerians is where this golden boy has been hiding.
My fair knowledge of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, whom I regards as a friend, a compatriot and my boss, gives me a window into the answer to this curious poser, about this emergent stateman.
one may tend to agree that Dhettima is not only a master strategist, a shrewd contriver, and a go-getter.
I always recall how he was able to balance the national mood, at the inception of this government and advised his boss appropriately on the strategic calculations in the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the face of a perceived skewed firection.
So also the emergence of Lieutanant General Christopher Musa as the Chief of Defence Stafg.
One could also see the hands of Shettima in resolving many conflicts across the country, as he traverses the width and breadth of Nigeria, building bridges of friendship on behalf of his boss.
Certain strategic policies and decisions of the administration, which attracted the admiration of Nigerians, have the imprimatur of the Vice President. This explains why he is visible in most international strategic meets to represent the country. Except for those who never see anything good in any leader and are bound to look for faults even in the best, there seems to be a national consensus that has proved Shettimas critics wrong .
No matter what might be his foibles or Achilles heels, anyone who achieves what Kashim Shettima has achieved in life today, or reached the height he has attained, and also contributed in reshaping our national outlook as he has done, deserves to be celebrated.
At 59, Shettima has indeed left indelible marks in the political sands of Nigeria.
Happy birthday, Mr Vice President.
Garlands For Kashim Shettima @59
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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