Politics
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
By: Dr. James Bwala
I have had arguments over and over again on the subject of the VP’s official residence in my interactions with supposedly intellectual personalities. But I am beginning to realize that their drives were informed by sentiments. They are not happy that it was Kashim Shettima who was the first occupant of this building. I have come to understand that they are not happy to have a Nigeria that speaks of a good image because the Vice President also represents the image of Nigeria. They are not happy because, in their own opinion, the VP of Nigeria does not carry the value for such an accommodation. In their primitive thinking, it would have been well if our VP were living in a thatched house, so they could continue to use that image of Africa outside its shores and to those who continued to view Africa as the mother of all primitivism.
Sometimes I wonder why some of them cannot see through the years they have spent in school. From primary education to university, it takes at least 16 years for uninterrupted students to earn a degree. Although some were affected by the constant strike, I will pardon them. But there are many who spent between 20 and 30 years crisscrossing the university landscape as perpetual students until some Moses came through grace to ask the Pharaoh of their lives to let them go. In the end, even after earning many certificates at home and abroad, they could not reach the promised land after all these years because they were perpetually in the darkness and perished for lack of knowledge.
Ordinarily, one should have the understanding to think beyond the surface of what the eyes can see and tell. The argument over the VP resident, seen by some Nigerians as a wasted investment, is becoming a drive for sentiment. Why point to the current VP when we all know or should know that the 21 billion naira VP’s resident is an official resident for Nigeria’s VP and not for Kashim Shettima as an individual? The project for building a befitting resident for the number two citizen dates back 14 years, long before the dream of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s administration. It was started many years before Kashim Shettima perhaps dreamed of becoming one who would have occupied it. And in eight years, by the grace of God, it will not be Kashim Shettima who will be the occupant of this building called the VP’s residence. But because these so-called individuals see nothing beyond their noses, they continued with their adoption of tribal ideas.
Whenever the issues of economic hardship come to play on social media and on television, some sentimental Nigerians feel that this is a good time to talk about the Nigerian Vice President and the official residence he is occupying. They talk and give examples as if that is the only area where Nigerian resources have been put, not for usefulness but as a waste. And in all senses of their judgment, not one of them has talked about the government that started that project and those that left it abandoned. That is waste! But rather, they keep blaming the government, which sees the need to end the waste by completing the project. They also feel bad that it is Kashim Shettima who is currently occupying, as if, in their senses, he did not deserve it.
The contract for the construction of the building was awarded in 2010 but abandoned in 2015. Those who are accusing the Tinubu/Kashim Shettima administration of completing it should go back to history and learn some lessons. Those who always point at the vice president, Kashim Shettima, to give or satisfy their anger or hatred for his person as an occupant of that value should know that the vice president is living comfortably in his own residence and shall enjoy the comfort that his office offered to have the desired spaces to help in building Nigeria on account of his values to this nation.
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The same personalities and their foot soldiers have blamed the president for supporting the Buhari regime. But they forgot the facts: not only Tinubu supported the Buhari regime, but millions of Nigerians at the time believed in the Buhari movement. However, almost all were later disappointed, including the president, who at some point could not hide his dissatisfaction with the Buhari regime. We all shouted, ‘Sai Baba’ at some point, and we all cried out, “Waiyo Baba” when the Buhari administration turned regimented.
For the sake of record, let me remind many of these sentimental Nigerians that, while explaining the high cost of the project at the commissioning, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said it was awarded at an initial cost of N7 billion in 2010. According to him, the building was constructed to a certain level and later abandoned. We all know what happened, but perhaps these individuals like to picture Nigeria always in the eyes of Western civilization. In his words, Wike said, this project was awarded in 2010, 14 years ago, and was abandoned in 2015. It was not until January of this year that we had a revised budget for the project. Now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come and, within a year, put it to use. It was in January this year (2024) that we had to review the project to N21 billion from N7 billion, which means an additional N14 billion. For a vice president’s residence to take 14 good years, and then Mr. President, within a year, made it a reality, this is what is called renewed hope.”
Perhaps we can now clearly see the faces of those who want Nigeria to continually be in a state of retrogressive perpetuality whenever they come to the screen or display their intentional minds in social media discussions. But for me and all those who believe that Ngeria will work again, and through the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, we hold the same opinion with the President in the words of the VP during the commissioning of this project: “I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures have been incurred is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion. I therefore, once again, want to express my gratitude to the FCT Administration for taking up the responsibility and feeling duty-bound to complete this project to avoid wastage of taxpayers’ money.”
If we understood that it is wasteful to abandon projects as such, we would have shown understanding of the ideas expressed in the initiative to renew our hope for tomorrow. Recalling what the VP had said rather than dwelling on past shortcomings, while speaking of the FCT administration, the Nysome Wike-led FCT has chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate government resolve to confront obstacles head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has the completion of inherited projects as one of its cardinal objectives. And this indeed underscores the importance of the project. The provision of a suitable residence for the vice president is not merely a matter of convenience but also a symbol of respect for the office and the individual who occupies it. I therefore submit that those who think the VP’s house is a waste of money should put their blames on the government that started the project and those who abandoned it because Nigeria’s hard-earned money was put to the tune of 7 billion naira and abandoned for 14 years by those whose foot soldiers, are now condemning those who are saying that Nigeria’s resources should not be left to waste.
Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident
Yobe: APC guber candidate speaks on Buni’s confidence in him
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali Fcan, mni, has revealed that His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni CON’s confidence in him over the years had afforded him the opportunity to serve the state as secretary to the state government for seven years.
Baba Mallam Wali mni disclosed this today when a delegation of critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Gujba local government area paid him a congratulatory visit in Damaturu, the state capital.
He expressed profound appreciation for the visit, adding that this overwhelming visit shows solidarity and confidence in his candidacy.
According to Mallam Wali, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s confidence in him over the years had afforded him the opportunity to serve the state as secretary to the state government for seven years.
He assured the stakeholders that he would provide inclusive and participatory leadership by carrying every citizen along irrespective of political, social, or regional affiliations.
The acting secretary to the state government, who is also the son of the soil, Dr. Mohammed Goje, leading the delegation, described Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali as a seasoned administrator and accomplished public servant.
“The emergence of Mallam Wali was a well-deserved recognition of his competence, integrity, and commitment to the development of Yobe State to a greater height,” Dr. Goje said.
He assured the candidate of the continued support, loyalty, and commitment of the people of the Gujba local government area, noting that we would remain steadfast in our support for the APC and its candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Yobe: APC guber candidate speaks on Buni’s confidence in him
Politics
VP Shettima’s Invest Lagos Summit: A contest of narratives on both the Dangote and Abdulsamad empires.
VP Shettima’s Invest Lagos Summit: A contest of narratives on both the Dangote and Abdulsamad empires.
By: Dr James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent statement at the Invest Lagos Summit, which sparked significant controversy and backlash from various quarters, particularly regarding his remarks about Africa’s richest men, Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu. The vice president asserted that Lagos, not Kano, produced these business magnates, a comment that many interpreted as dismissive of Kano’s historical commercial significance. However, this reaction stems largely from a misinterpretation of Shettima’s words and an overlooking of the broader context in which his remarks were made. It is crucial to understand and defend the vice president’s statement, recognising the economic dynamics at play and the positive intent behind his message.
Vice President Shettima’s assertion that Lagos produced Africa’s richest men was not intended as an erasure of Kano’s rich commercial heritage or an undervaluing of the northern roots of these business icons. Instead, it was a contextual observation highlighting Lagos as the continent’s economic powerhouse and a pivotal hub where business ideas are scaled and transformed into thriving enterprises. Lagos is Africa’s largest sub-national economy, characterised by its vibrant market activities, infrastructural advantages, business-friendly policies, and an environment conducive to private sector growth. This city has historically served as a furnace where entrepreneurial ambitions find fertile ground to flourish and expand. Shettima’s point was that while the initial entrepreneurial instincts and businesses may have originated elsewhere, including Kano, it is within Lagos that these ventures matured into the colossal economic entities they are today.
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The backlash, particularly from northern commentators and traditional leaders like Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano, reflects a common regional sensitivity towards identity and recognition. The Emir’s response centred on Kano’s longstanding reputation as a “centre of commerce”, emphasising the city’s role in shaping fundamental entrepreneurial skills and traditions inherited by figures like Dangote and Rabiu. While this perspective honours Kano’s historic significance, it inadvertently overlooks the nuance in Shettima’s statement—that the vice president did not deny Kano’s foundational influence but instead underscored Lagos’s role in providing a strategic platform for growth and scaling operations. The criticism arises from conflating birthplace or origin with the locus of economic success. Recognising Lagos as the city where these businesses “came to the limelight” is not a negation of their roots but an acknowledgement of pragmatic economic realities.
Shettima’s remarks must be viewed through the lens of economic pragmatism rather than political rivalry or regional contestation. Lagos has been, and remains, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and a critical node in Africa’s trade and investment networks. Its infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, access to ports, financial markets, and international connectivity create unique advantages that entrepreneurs can leverage to multiply their wealth and impact. Both Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu have attested to the enabling environment provided by Lagos State governments, which implemented policies fostering private-sector investments surpassing $30 billion. These acknowledgements underscore the integral role Lagos played in their skyrocketing success, validating Shettima’s emphasis on Lagos’s contributions without negating Kano’s entrepreneurial legacy.
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It is also imperative to contextualise the timing and nature of the criticism directed at the vice president. Notably, some individuals and groups who vociferously objected to Shettima’s Lagos-centric remarks had remained conspicuously silent during other contentious moments, such as when the vice president defended the Dangote Refinery amid an industrial dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in late 2025. During that dispute, Shettima described Dangote as an “institution” deserving protection, a stance that drew criticism from labour unions but highlighted his consistent recognition of the vital role played by business leaders in Nigeria’s economic fabric. This selective outrage suggests that the current backlash is less about objective critique and more about entrenched regional loyalties or political manoeuvring as learnt in political communications.
The misrepresentation of Kashim Shettima’s position reveals a broader challenge in Nigerian public discourse—a tendency to pre-emptively judge and politicise statements without engaging with their substance or intent. The eagerness to attack the vice president before fully understanding the context exemplifies a mindset that undermines balanced evaluation and constructive debate. Instead of appreciating the VP’s highlighting of Lagos as an epicentre of enterprise and resilience, detractors have chosen to ignite divisive sentiments that distract from economic cooperation and national unity. This pattern of reaction fuels unnecessary regional tensions, which ultimately hinder the country’s collective progress.
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From a professional standpoint, it is essential to champion nuanced communication and responsible leadership. Vice President Shettima’s remarks align with an economic truth that transcends parochial interests: that success in business often requires not just ingenuity and grit but access to supportive environments where ideas can scale. Nurturing such hubs—like Lagos—is vital for Nigeria’s sustained development and global competitiveness. Recognising and celebrating Lagos’s role, therefore, should not be viewed as an affront to other regions but as a call to replicate such enabling conditions nationwide. Every region, including Kano, must strive to provide similar platforms to nurture and propel their homegrown talents and enterprises.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comments at the Invest Lagos Summit were a factual, context-driven affirmation of Lagos’s status as Africa’s premier economic hub, where entrepreneurial ventures achieve their full potential. His statement was neither dismissive of Kano’s historic commercial contributions nor an attempt to diminish the foundational roles played by northern business traditions. Instead, it was a candid recognition of Lagos’s unique capacity to nurture and elevate business successes on an unprecedented scale. The vehement backlash—fueled by misinterpretation and regional sensitivities—serves as a reminder of the need for careful listening, thoughtful analysis, and avoidance of partisan attacks in national conversations. As Nigerians, we can foster unity and propel the country towards inclusive prosperity by embracing diverse pathways to success and acknowledging the layered realities of economic growth. Future critiques should engage constructively with leaders’ insights, considering both intent and context before passing judgements. Only through such mature discourse can Nigeria harness its full economic potential and build a harmonious, thriving society.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Shettima’s Invest Lagos Summit: A contest of narratives on both the Dangote and Abdulsamad empires.
Forum condemns abusive language on Atiku
North-East Elders and Youth Forum, Adamawa Chapter has strongly rejected and condemned the abusive language attributed to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal.
Hamza Sa’ad Dasin, the National Leader of the forum stated this during a press briefing in Yola that Lawal accused Atiku Abubakar of manipulating the recent ADC primary election results while describing him as a religious and tribal bigot.
“Well, that’s not the problem, because leaving or staying with the party remains his absolute right; the most alarming and worrisome approach by the former SGF was his utterances against the Former Vice President.
“Accusing him of being religious and tribal bigot, and even went further to calling him KACHALLA, which connotes direct linkage with banditry”, he said.
He said, Atiku Abubakar, socially and politically remains the symbol of unity Nigeria as he married from South West, South-East and North-East “So he is symbolically democratic even in his own house”.
Dasin further said that Atiku has a very large heart that accommodates all irrespective of religious, tribal or sectional inclinations.
“This can be ascertained by looking at the people surrounding him. He is a believer of cultural multiplicity.
“When Boko Haram entered Mubi in Adamawa State, Atiku used his personal resources to bring in hunters and traditional fighters from different parts of northern Nigeria to come and assist.
“And they eventually succeeded in driving them away, killing a large number of them. This is to tell you that Atiku has never, can never and will never be a supporter of banditry, so count him out of being a KACHALLA”, he said.
He further explained that Atiku is a well recognized Political Guru, not only in Nigeria but in the world.
“He is considered one of the best politicians in Africa and the world”, he said.
Forum condemns abusive language on Atiku
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