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The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

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The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

By: Senator Kashim Shettima 

Being a speech by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, at a Reception in His Honour, at Rockview Hotel (Royale), Abuja, on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Protocols…

I am humbled by this day. I am humbled because I know that receiving such grand honour is a rare experience in one’s home. You and I are the heartbeats of the same home, and wherever we go, whatever we do, and whenever we act, we carry with us their stories, their beliefs, and their expectations. On our best days away from home, we are celebrated as gifts to humankind. On our worst days, we are harshly remembered as offshoots of our home, as ambassadors of our people. So, you must understand my joy that I’m not standing trial here.  

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

We live in a time where your origin can be the beginning of your nightmare if you find yourself in the wrong place. Sometimes, you are compelled to work harder than others to fit in. Other times, you are not even given the chance at all. You are either written off or treated as a wild stereotype by fellow countrymen. You are expected to function in a system where you must relegate your origin and identity, or apologise for the affiliations you never got to choose. None of us here got to choose where we were born, and to whom. But we all have a choice to create a world where nobody ever experiences discrimination based on the languages they speak, the places they worship, and the colour of their skin.  

You and I may not have the magic wand for surviving the bigotry of our kind and the extremism of corrupting dogmas. What we have is a glorious history that reminds us of the beauty of a diverse nation. We know the consequences of treating others as different from us or lesser than us. We know we are a collage of various ethnic, religious, and racial groups bound by a common destiny. We know that Borno remains standing amidst a wave of attacks on our lives and properties because of this refusal to let go of what defines us, that we are bound by the same humanity. 

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

Our brotherhood and sisterhood across generations are an enduring heritage that not even a nuclear weapon can annihilate. We have survived conspiracies designed to turn us against one another. We have witnessed the comings and goings of anarchists who wished to profit from our conflicts. We know why they have failed. They intended to distort and misinterpret our realities to suit their agenda. Our people have not surrendered to any alien idea because the subjects of the dreams we have in Konduga are the same as those had in Argungu, Abuja, Abakaliki, and Aba. All of them dream of a quiet to live gainfully and love indiscriminately. 

I am also here today because I fought for a benign world to chase my dream. From the intellectual splendour of Yerwa, I yearned for a time and place where I would partake in helping our people to climb up the social ladder. I dreamt of touching lives beyond the boundaries of my city. I rode on the kindness of familiars and strangers to get here, Christians and Muslims, Hausa and Igbo, and northerners and southerners. My dream took off because I encountered people who knew the danger of treating me as a label, people who didn’t feed on stereotypes to sabotage me. 

I would’ve veered off to a place of hate if I had allowed the bigotries I encountered to define me. Even as a two-time Governor and, now, Senator, I’m just as vulnerable to bigotry as every Nigerian. If you intend to see where the truth goes to die in Nigeria, then don’t look too far away from the electronic exchanges on social media. Most of the falsehoods dispensed are, unfortunately, carefully-coordinated attacks by agents of those running for the highest office in the country. 

My venturing into politics has taken me to the bank of this river of hatred between and among groups in the country. Sometimes, you come across the energy devoted to promoting their improbable fiction that you begin to wonder if their redemption is possible—if they would ever agree to submit to superior facts. But we have to thank the exceptional citizens and journalists volunteering to fact-check the imaginary stories. 

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

As a Governor, for instance, I engaged with various groups in Borno State to learn from their experiences or as a courtesy required from a leader whenever I came across them. Some of such encounters were with vigilante groups helping us in the war against Boko Haram or with Fulani herdsmen within our jurisdiction. So, whenever photos from such meetings are shared to make certain allusions, I was unsure of whether to laugh or cry for the nation. Their allusions are a product of the usual unchecked ethnic profiling, and that’s a risky political strategy for a country already too divided. 

But we can’t afford to give up. We can’t afford to take their bait. The day we embark on responding to profiling any group with similar colour of hate, we are halfway to the end of this union. This is the chaos they seek. But we are far too sophisticated to see any Nigerian as an enemy just because of their ethnicity, religion, or region. We will weaponise neither our ethnic nor regional identity to oppose any individual, whether their agenda is printed on a billboard or intended to be a secret campaign. 

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/12/02/many-iswap-fighters-killed-in-damboa-after-pledging-allegiance-to-new-isis-leader/

The darkest irony in our politics today is the sponsorship of hate campaigns by front-line political candidates against an opposing group in the very country they are asking to govern. I expect you to be the voice of reason in teaching conflict profiteers in our midst about the enduring bond we share. We would’ve been long overrun if we had paid mind to any politician who invests in divisions, the ones who’ve seen and experienced the devastation of violence firsthand. 

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

I am proud to share that we refuse to treat any Nigerian as an outsider because of the village in which he or she was born. We refuse to attack our citizens because of the architecture of their places of worship. We refuse to grade our citizens based on the prominence of their ethnic group. We refuse to make our politics a chamber for waging wars. This is the Nigeria we must work together to build. 

Ladies and gentlemen, there’s no testimony greater than the words of objective witnesses to our part in history. We are here today because of you. We are here because you saw through the pedestrian mischief and lies. You know the churches and mosques we have rebuilt to reassure all groups in Borno State that the conflict in our place is from a common enemy. You are the heroes Nigeria seeks, the ones we all deserve to guide us to the path of peaceful coexistence, the path of alliances. Thank you.

The Heroes of a Turbulent Time

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2027: When Tinubu’s endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s unwavering support speaks volumes

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Vice President Kashim Shettima


2027: When Tinubu’s endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s unwavering support speaks volumes

By: Dr. James Bwala

On Sunday, May 24, 2027, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a powerful acceptance speech upon his nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election. His words were not only an affirmation of his leadership vision but also a robust endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s unwavering support and integral role within this administration. This public commendation serves as a cornerstone for dispelling mistrust and malicious rumors surrounding the office of the vice president, creating a persuasive narrative about unity, shared purpose, and inclusive governance for Nigeria’s future.

At the heart of President Tinubu’s speech was a resounding acknowledgment of Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “pillar of support” during an undoubtedly challenging period in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic history. The relevance of this commendation transcends mere formality; it underscores a fundamental truth about effective governance—the indispensable role of mutual trust and partnership between a president and their vice president. In an era where political alliances are frequently strained by internal discord and where opposition forces eagerly exploit any hint of division, Tinubu’s public appreciation is an unequivocal message: the administration is cohesive and resilient.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

The phrase, “The journey so far is challenging, but your support is encouraging; there is no doubt about that,” encapsulates the essence of collaborative leadership. These words reflect not only the trials faced by the government but also reveal the vice president’s steadfast commitment to the administration’s objectives. By highlighting Shettima’s role, Tinubu is affirming that progress requires collective effort, especially in contexts fraught with socioeconomic challenges, security concerns, and institutional reforms. This articulation fosters confidence among Nigerians, signaling that the leadership is united in purpose and determined to overcome adversity through solidarity.

The president’s direct address to Vice President Shettima—“Kashim Shettima, thank you very much. Together and with the help of God Almighty, we shall build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria for generations to come”—is more than a personal note of gratitude. It is a strategic reaffirmation of shared responsibility and future ambition. This statement embodies a forward-looking vision, grounded in faith and partnership, which are essential for sustaining momentum towards national goals. By invoking the divine, Tinubu connects with the deeply spiritual sensibilities of many Nigerians, thereby lending moral weight to their joint mission.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

The implications of this endorsement extend significantly beyond the immediate political context. It dispels the pernicious rumors and speculation often exploited by political opponents or detractors who seek to destabilize the government by sowing seeds of distrust. The so-called “Shettima issue,” which has been circulated as an attempt to insinuate discord within the presidency, is effectively nullified by the president’s explicit praise and recognition. In doing so, Tinubu not only strengthens the internal cohesion of his administration but also sends a clear signal to the Nigerian populace and international observers that the government operates on principles of unity and transparency.

President Tinubu’s commitment to building “an even more inclusive government.” One that listens. The government that learns and leads with the best interest of Nigerians at heart” resonates deeply with democratic ideals. This pledge offers reassurance that the administration values the diverse voices and experiences of Nigeria’s multifaceted society. An inclusive government is a government that embraces the richness of its ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity, ensuring that policies and programs reflect the common good rather than sectional interests. It is a decisive stance against divisiveness and exclusion, which have historically plagued Nigerian politics.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

In advancing this vision, Tinubu leverages the symbolic and practical significance of Shettima’s role as vice president. Shettima’s inclusiveness, experience, and political acumen complement the president’s agenda, reinforcing the government’s capacity to implement policies aimed at national reconciliation and development. The administration’s unity at the highest level reassures stakeholders—both domestic and international—that Nigeria remains on a path of political stability and economic recovery.

Critics may argue that such public acknowledgments are politically motivated, designed to mask deeper issues within the government. However, it is vital to recognize that leadership communication in a democracy must be transparent and deliberate. Public affirmations of unity, especially amid turbulent political climates, serve an essential function in maintaining citizens’ trust and preventing the erosion of institutional credibility. This speech is a strategic instrument that stabilizes the political environment by fostering a collective identity and purpose.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

Building on this foundation, the emphasis on security, unity, and prosperity as core objectives highlights the administration’s responsiveness to the most pressing concerns of Nigerians. Security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, have long undermined Nigeria’s potential. By articulating a shared commitment with Shettima to address these issues, Tinubu signals a coordinated approach that enhances the government’s legitimacy and effectiveness.

Similarly, the insistence on unity reflects an acute awareness of Nigeria’s complex social fabric and the need for harmony across ethnic and regional lines. Unity is not merely a political slogan but a prerequisite for sustainable development and peace. Through this lens, the administration’s rhetoric serves as a beacon of hope that transcends partisan divides, inviting all Nigerians to partake in nation-building.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

The aspiration for prosperity aligns with developmental priorities such as economic diversification, job creation, infrastructure development, and education reform. By linking these goals to the administration’s unified leadership, Tinubu inspires confidence that the government is positioned to deliver tangible results that will benefit current and future generations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s public appreciation of Vice President Kashim Shettima at his acceptance speech for the 2027 APC presidential candidacy exemplifies effective political leadership rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and shared vision. It confronts and dispels damaging rumors, reinforces a message of collective responsibility, and lays a foundation for an administration committed to listening, learning, and leading with the people’s best interests at heart. 

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/2027-vp-shettima-is-the-soul-of-the-tinubu-ticket/

For Nigeria to navigate its myriad challenges and achieve lasting security, unity, and prosperity, such cohesive leadership is indispensable. The partnership between Tinubu and Shettima presents a compelling model for collaborative governance, inspiring a hopeful trajectory for the nation’s democratic future.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja

2027: When Tinubu’s endorsement of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s unwavering support speaks volumes

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APC Primary peaceful, as Tinubu clears vote in Adamawa South -Abbati

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APC Primary peaceful, as Tinubu clears vote in Adamawa South -Abbati

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primary has been conducted peacefully in Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State with massive support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Aliyu Abdulhameed Abbati, Coordinator/Collation Officer for the APC Presidential Primaries, disclosed this during the collation of results in Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Abbati who is the former Aspirant, APC Adamawa Central Senatorial District
expressed satisfaction with the exercise and called on the people in the area to understand that the re-election of President Tinubu will herald positive changes for the country.

According to him, Nigeria is yearning for change and APC is ready to transform the country and deliver more dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

He added that Mr President has been doing his best and will continue to do so in his second term in office.

In his remarks, Mr Joshua Njim, the APC Chairman in Shelleng LGA, said the exercise was peaceful across the 10 political wards of the area.

According to him, President Tinubu is leading in Shelleng LGA.

He appreciated Mr Abbati and his team for effective supervision and understanding throughout the exercise.

In his address, Haruna Ibrahim, the Commissioner Ministry of Mineral Resource, Adamawa State appreciated contributions of President Tinubu for economic development in the country.

He said with the APC as the leading party in the country and the state more development would be recorded in the state especially at the grassroots.

According to him, Shelleng is an agrarian area that needed the contribution of the Federal government for food security and economic development.

APC Primary peaceful, as Tinubu clears vote in Adamawa South -Abbati

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ADC Moves to Break APC Grip on Borno as Durkwa, Bulama Fugu Lead 2027 Political Battle

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ADC Moves to Break APC Grip on Borno as Durkwa, Bulama Fugu Lead 2027 Political Battle

By:Michael Mike

In what appears to be the strongest opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections in Borno State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled heavyweight senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates in a direct challenge to the long-standing dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party’s emergence of former APC governorship aspirant Idris Mamman Durkwa for Borno South, alongside Bulama Fugu and Babagana Zanna, signals what political observers describe as an ambitious attempt to dismantle APC’s political stronghold in the state.

The ADC consensus primaries held in Maiduguri produced candidates expected to confront some of Borno’s most influential political figures, including Senator Ali Ndume, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.

The opposition party said its strategy is built around presenting “credible alternatives” capable of capitalising on growing public frustration over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges across the state and the country.

ADC Organising Secretary, Mohammed Bolori, disclosed that about 25 State Assembly candidates and eight House of Representatives candidates were affirmed through consensus by party stakeholders, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure before 2027.

The development is expected to intensify political rivalry in Borno, particularly in Borno South, where Senator Ndume recently secured fresh endorsements from APC stakeholders and Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Musa Askira.

Bolori, while criticising the APC-led administration over worsening hardship and insecurity, assured supporters that ADC candidates would prioritise security, economic recovery and social welfare if elected.

With governorship primaries and additional House of Representatives contests still ahead, political analysts believe the ADC is positioning itself for what could become one of the fiercest electoral contests in Borno’s recent political history.

ADC Moves to Break APC Grip on Borno as Durkwa, Bulama Fugu Lead 2027 Political Battle

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