Politics
Kashim Shettima: Former SGF Babachir Lawal still frustrated over Muslim-Muslim ticket
Kashim Shettima: Former SGF Babachir Lawal still frustrated over Muslim-Muslim ticket
By: Dr. James Bwala
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, recently commented on the political dynamics surrounding Kashim Shettima’s role as Nigeria’s vice president. Lawal described Shettima as a “spare flat tire,” a metaphor implying redundancy or lack of significance within the political framework. This characterization appears rooted in frustration over President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to run along with him (Babachir Lawal) in 2023, highlighting intra-party tensions and personal ambitions that influenced electoral strategies.
Lawal’s continuous remarks can be interpreted as reflecting broader contestations within Nigeria’s ruling party, where key figures vie for influence and recognition. The refusal to consider him and the choice to go with Kashim Shettima as vice presidential candidate in 2023 arguably triggered dissatisfaction among certain elements, with Lawal’s statement emblematic of this discontent. I believe that Babachir Lawal’s critique of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s role in an interview recently with’ PUNCH’ Newspapers, where he allegedly said that’ Kashim Shettima is just busy attending weddings and probably condolence visits, reveals how personal grievances intersect with political maneuvering, shaping narratives around leadership choices in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
Babachir may continue to preach this gospel and the group of speculators like him. But for the record and contrary to widespread speculation, Vice President Kashim Shettima frequently represents President Bola Tinubu on various official occasions both within Nigeria and internationally. While some narratives suggest that Shettima’s role is largely symbolic or limited to domestic engagements, evidence indicates that he acts as a robust proxy for Tinubu in diplomatic and political functions abroad. This delegation of duties aligns with strategic governance practices where a vice-presidential figure assumes representational responsibilities, thereby extending the president’s reach without necessitating his physical presence.
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Kashim Shettima’s involvement in international forums underscores his active participation in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives under Tinubu’s administration. By attending summits and bilateral meetings, he not only conveys presidential mandates but also fosters investor confidence and diplomatic relations on behalf of the government. Such engagements reflect an operational dynamic wherein Shettima embodies the administration’s policy vision beyond national borders, challenging assumptions that his role is merely ceremonial.
The presumption that Shettima rarely represents Tinubu is inaccurate given documented instances of his frequent representation both domestically and internationally. This practice serves practical governance functions by maintaining continuous political engagement while allowing Tinubu to focus on critical national affairs. Recognizing Shettima’s substantive representational role provides a clearer understanding of executive collaboration within Nigeria’s current political landscape.
The VP’s effective representation in these roles is not only a testament to his political acumen but also an indication of the trust and confidence Tinubu places in his vice-presidential partner. His active engagement in these capacities highlights the strategic delegation of duties within Tinubu’s administration. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and articulate the administration’s policies effectively further cements his role as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s diplomacy and governance. Shettima’s presence at these gatherings not only reinforces the administration’s commitment to international cooperation but also exemplifies a strategic approach to governance that leverages the strengths of its key leaders.
Kashim Shettima’s diplomatic engagements, therefore, not only enhance Nigeria’s international profile but also underscore the administration’s strategic use of its leadership team to achieve a broader impact on the global stage. By effectively managing these responsibilities, Shettima not only ensures continuity in governance but also strengthens Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and fosters economic partnerships. This approach not only amplifies Nigeria’s voice on the global stage but also demonstrates a well-orchestrated internal synergy that is crucial for the country’s socio-economic advancement.
It is evident that Shettima’s active representation of Tinubu in various international forums and diplomatic missions is a testament to the administration’s confidence in his capabilities and vision. Shettima’s adept handling of these roles also signals a seamless transition of responsibilities that ensures no vacuum is left in Nigeria’s representation. This strategic delegation underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging Shettima’s diplomatic acumen and political insight, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s influence in international affairs.
The VP’s presence at key international forums and bilateral meetings not only amplifies Nigeria’s voice but also fosters partnerships that are crucial for the nation’s economic and geopolitical goals. Moreover, Shettima’s diplomatic engagements often align with Tinubu’s strategic vision, ensuring continuity and coherence in Nigeria’s foreign policy initiatives. This strategic partnership not only demonstrates Tinubu’s trust in Shettima but also highlights their shared vision for Nigeria’s development and international relations. Through these efforts, Shettima effectively bridges the gap between domestic policy and international diplomacy, ensuring that Nigeria’s interests are consistently represented and advocated for on the world stage. This collaboration between Tinubu and Shettima highlights a pragmatic approach to governance, where responsibilities are shared to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
Indeed, on the contrary, Shettima’s role as a representative is not merely ceremonial but involves substantive engagement with international stakeholders, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to global cooperation and sustainable development. By entrusting Shettima with these vital responsibilities, the administration not only ensures continuity in its international engagements but also cultivates a robust framework for achieving long-term diplomatic and economic objectives. Therefore, beyond what the former SGF sees and pitched his tent, beyond the rhetoric around Shettima’s engagements, weddings, or condolences, the partnership that denied him the opportunity to be vice president is standing tall against the storms.
* * James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Kashim Shettima: Former SGF Babachir Lawal still frustrated over Muslim-Muslim ticket
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The All Progressives Congress (APC) local government congresses were conducted successfully in all the seventeen local government areas of Yobe state.
The exercise was conducted by consensus throughout all the 17 local government areas of the state and monitored by the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The chairman of critical stakeholders of the Nangere local government area, who is also the former deputy governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Aliyu Saleh Bagare, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the congress.
He commended the party stakeholders of Nangere local government for their maturity, adding that this shows the strong structure and the unity of the party in the area.
Yobe State Commissioner of Works, Engineer Umar Wakil Duddaye, who is also a strong stakeholder of the party, expressed his happiness with the smooth conduct of the congress.
Engineer Duddaye urges the newly elected party executives to observe their success as a call to serve all the APC members in the Nangere local government, Yobe state, and Nigeria as a whole.
APC conducts congress in 17 local councils in Yobe
Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, travelled to Mafa to witness the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses.
Zulum, who was accompanied by APC’s Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon Mohammed Jaha (Babawo), and the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the seamless and orderly conduct of the process.p
The governor’s entourage also comprises the APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, among other senior party executives.
Party members across Mafa ward converged to elect new executives. The exercise, which was held simultaneously across the 312 wards in Borno State, was conducted by consensus to ensure unity and harmony within the party.
Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, chaired the ward congress committee, while the Mafa Local Government Electoral Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Salihu Muktari, monitored the exercise.
Addressing party faithful shortly after the conclusion of the exercise at Mafa, Zulum expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere. He commended the party’s national leadership for deploying a competent team to oversee the process.
“I am happy with the smooth conduct of this exercise. There was no rancour, no bitterness, and that is the spirit of the APC family. I want to commend the committee sent by the APC national headquarters for their diligence and fair play,” Governor Zulum stated.
The governor also lauded party stakeholders and members in Mafa for their maturity and commitment to the party’s internal democracy, urging the newly elected ward executives to see their emergence as a call to service.
“To the new executives, this is not about personal glory but about taking the party to greater heights at the grassroots. You are the closest to the people, and you must work to unite our members and strengthen our structure,” he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward/Local Government Congresses Screening Committees, Screening Appeals Committees, as well as the Ward/LGA Congresses (election) and Congresses Appeal Committees members, headed by Prophet Jones Erue, were also in Mafa to observe the conduct of the exercise.
Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward
APC Group Calls Lokpobiri An Hypocrite Over Remarks Of Diri Emergence As Governor
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Grassroot Movement (BSAGM), has described remarks of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri during Governor Douye Diri 6th anniversary thanksgiving service as hypocritical.
In his goodwill message at the 6th anniversary of Senator Douye Diri as Bayelsa Governor, Senator Lokpobiri guffed not disappointing the general public of usual reckless remarks, that no human should take credit as instrumental to the victory of Senator Douye Diri as Governor of Bayelsa.
In a statement issued to newsmen on Monday by the group spokesman, Mr John Peremobowei, the group condemned in strong terms of the reckless and delusional remarks of the honorable minister during the 6th year thanksgiving service of the prosperity government in Yenagoa.
According to the group statement, Lokpobiri’s thoughtless remarks is affirmation of his political career of ingratitude, and betrayal towards those that nominated him for various public offices undeservedly, from state to federal lawmaker, including two ministerial appointments.
“Lokpobiri battered political career of ingratitude was the reason why he openly fought his benefactor, Chief Timipre Sylva, who nominated him as Minister of State for Agriculture, in the last bayelsa guber election.
“Acknowledging an individual efforts, contributions in fulfillment of God’s purpose in another man’s life here on earth is not in any way taking the glory of God, but acknowledgement of whom God used to accomplish a predetermined task and purpose.
The group describing the honorable minister’s statement as delusional and self-deception, said he should be knowledgeable to comprehend the concept that God uses humans as instruments to accomplish tasks beyond their natural abilities on earth in fulfillment of purpose and destiny.
“Senator Lokpobiri who arrogantly takes the glory for the victory of Mr Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha as house of assembly member representing Ekeremor Constituency 2, should have attributed the victory of the former lawmaker to God rather than himself, if it’s not self-deception.
“Unfortunately, Governor Diri seems to derive so much pleasure in the reckless statements expressed to appease him against those who worked so hard for his emergence.
The group urged Senator Douye Diri to be query of honorable minister’s characters in his government, saying the remarks were borne out of hatred towards those who worked so hard for his emergence as governor.
“If not for self-deception, hypocrisy, why did Sen. Lokpobiri attributed Mr Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence as Governor of Rivers to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and not God Almighty?
“In his thanksgiving ceremony after inauguration as minister, why did Lokpobiri attributed his appointment to Wike, and not President Tinubu who nominated him to the national assembly, or better still, God?
“Does God only exist in Bayelsa, and not Rivers? Lokpobiri’s thoughtless remarks are unbecoming as a public officer in the federal government.
“Invariably, the governor supporting the dishonest reckless remarks, he has deliberately sowed a seed of ingratitude by not acknowledging the human instruments of Dickson, and several others, and whosoever that succeeds him as governor will definitely tow the path of ingratitude.
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