Politics
Unite North: VP Shettima’s Call for Peace and Unity Among Northern Communities
Unite North: VP Shettima’s Call for Peace and Unity Among Northern Communities
By: Dr. James Bwala
Northern Nigeria is home to a multiplicity of cultures and ethnic groups; the Hausas, the Fulanis, the Kanuris, and the Nupes all live in Northern Nigeria. Because most of these groups share a common heritage and have a long history of peacefully living together, Northern Nigeria’s communities play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the country. However, the occurrence of conflicts between groups of people residing in the North has unfortunately stifled economic development, caused people to be displaced, and even cost some their lives.
Recently, Vice President Kashim Shettima made an important plea to some communities, specifically the Hausas and the Fulanis, for an end to conflict and a unification of forces. His compliments and constructive criticism are accurate and needed for the ongoing development of peace and growth in the Northern region of Nigeria.
The vice president’s words reflect a deep understanding of the realities of this situation. He mentioned that Hausas, Fulanis, Kanuris, and the Nupes all possess no defining differences. He pointed out that the struggle in the North brings violence to communities that all share hopes and dreams of economic and social development and reinforces the barriers that separate them from the assistance that the federal government is ready to provide.
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In looking at the causes of conflict between these groups, one can see that political manipulation and historical grievances, along with competition for limited resources and misunderstanding, also play important roles. The conflict between the settled agricultural communities, mainly the Hausas and Kanuris, and the pastoral Fulanis revolves mainly around issues of land, the use of land for grazing, and the availability of water. Lack of communication and distrust serve to deepen the impact of violence on every group.
Vice President Shettima’s appeal for forgiveness and unity is an appeal for reconciliation on a national level. In conflict situations, forgiveness allows the groups to overcome the historical grievances and concentrate on the common objectives. This appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation is effective when there is strong will and involvement from the grassroots. Such an initiative enables the leadership to strengthen communication and to promote the realization of structures and systems for peaceful coexistence. The councils, religious institutions, and civil society organs are able to promote the necessary and sufficient conditions of reconciliation and forgiveness.
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The northern peoples’ unity can help maximize government and private investments. Once initiatives for development and the building of health and educational infrastructure for the North begin, a peaceful environment will be required. The fullest help from the government should see the greatest commitment from the people to keep the peace and work for progress.
The North’s strategic significance to the entire country of Nigeria must also be recognized. As Nigeria’s major provider of agricultural and trade resources and of the human resources upon which the nation draws, the North’s growth must be a worthy goal for Nigeria’s entire growth. Social conflicts among the various ethnic groups in the North will fragment the region and adversely affect Nigeria’s potential for peace, stability, and growth. Thus, appeals for peace and unity must be seen not only as a regional concern but also as a national concern.
In order to achieve lasting peace in the North and reconcile the people following this ugly and unfortunate situation, the North must look inwardly and establish and implement a multi-faceted approach in addressing the underlying causes of violence and tension that have engulfed the region for decades now. Measures to be taken should include equitable distribution of resources, transparent governance, effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and empowerment of youth and women who are often the victims of these conflicts. There is also the need for educational campaigns that would promote cultural awareness, religious tolerance, and respect for individuals’ dignity, which can be very helpful in dismantling prejudices and fostering solidarity among diverse ethnic groups that made us strong as Arewa people.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/vp-shettimas-invest-lagos-summit-a-contest-of-narratives-on-both-the-dangote-and-abdulsamad-empires/
While we come together as a people to do the needful, the government also must ensure that security agencies operating across states in the North must earn the confidence of the people while discharging their duties impartially and effectively to protect all citizens irrespective of where they are held. Also, the issue of accountability for perpetrators of violence, if taken with some degree of justice, can deter future conflicts and therefore build confidence in the justice system. In addition to this, there should be investment in rural development and sustainable agriculture so as to alleviate competition over resources while encouraging cooperation through joint ventures and community projects to serve the common good.
Kashim Shettima’s vision for a strong and united Northern Nigeria is not just about an idealistic plea; the vision is a strategic approach necessary for building a North whose foundation its fathers have left for the generation now and for generations to come. Therefore, it is incumbent on the people to embrace their common identity through unity and recognizing that their strength lies in that unity rather than division. It was the unity of the North that led the people to greatness; harnessing their collective potential can transform the region into a beacon of peace, prosperity, and cultural richness. However, the people must realize that this cannot be achieved when violence and killings become a way of life.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/vp-shettimas-invest-lagos-summit-a-contest-of-narratives-on-both-the-dangote-and-abdulsamad-empires/
In analyzing the call made by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, towards ending violence, especially between the Hausas, Fulanis, and other tribes, and the call towards unity for the common good of the people of northern Nigeria, this calls for urgent attention and decisive action, looking at the current situation and the way things are falling apart in the region. Indeed, the future of the region depends on the ability of the people to reconcile their differences, forgive past wrongs, and work together collaboratively toward shared development goals, which are the dreams of the fathers. Also, with government support and communal commitment, the North can walk through these muddy waters and overcome its challenges and set an example of harmony and progress for the entire nation. I believe in the words of the “Jagoran Arewa,” the vice president, that it is indeed time for healing and for northerners to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue and build a united front that will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for all northerners.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Unite North: VP Shettima’s Call for Peace and Unity Among Northern Communities
Fubara Declares Support for Tinubu, Chinda, Says Rivers Political War Is Over
By: Michael Mike
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition and the governorship aspiration of Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, saying political differences in the state have been resolved and that the time for confrontation is over.
Fubara made the declaration on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Riven Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt, where he said previously opposing political camps in Rivers had reached an understanding to work together for peace and development.
The governor said he had aligned with the “Rainbow Coalition,” a political movement associated with former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and urged his supporters across the state to support candidates under the platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have made peace in the state and I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our president, and is the one we are supporting. OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting and anybody who believes in me will support him and every other candidate that is under the Rainbow Coalition,” Fubara said.
He added that he had returned to the political family, insisting that Rivers State must move beyond past disagreements.
“I’ve gone back to our family. So, please, whoever you are, give your total support to the Rainbow Coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over. It is time for peace and this peace is taking us to another level,” he said.
Fubara urged his supporters not to claim allegiance to him alone but to support the broader political arrangement, stressing that he was committed to unity and stability in the state.
“I’m not party to anything that will bring any form of disunity in this state. I’ve done what I need to do and we are moving forward,” he stated.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight the significance of the Riven Medical Industries Project, describing it as a major step towards industrialisation, healthcare development, and economic expansion in Rivers State.
However, he warned investors against abandoning commitments after receiving government support, recalling past experiences where agreements with investors resulted in disputes and legal battles.
According to him, the state government approved the project because of confidence in the investors’ ability to revive the facility, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic growth.
He tasked the investors to adhere strictly to project timelines, particularly ensuring the completion of the first phase within three months, while appealing to host communities and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area leadership to provide an enabling environment for the project.
The Riven Medical Industries Project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Rivers State Government and Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, aimed at transforming the former Integrated Medical Industries (IMI) into a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
When completed, the facility is expected to produce pharmaceutical formulations, gelatine capsules, intravenous infusions, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), boosting local drug production capacity and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines.
The project is also projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promote technology transfer, attract investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare supply chain.
The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with alliances and realignments expected to shape contests across states.
Fubara Declares Support for Tinubu, Chinda, Says Rivers Political War Is Over
Remain neutral during elections, Senate aspirant Bembella urges Nasarawa North elders
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The People’s Democratic Party PDP candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial zone, Madaki Bembella has appealed to the consciences of the elders in the zone to be neutral towards the up coming general election in the country.
Bembella, who is also the Waziri of Mada kingdom said it was in the interest of known elders to speak the truth at all times and maintaining their dignity when it comes to Mada kingdom and beyond adding that it is only then that the elders can easily be imitated by the younger ones.
The Mada chieftain in an exclusive interview with this reporter recently called on the elders to always speak in one voice regretting that there are some elders who should be sitting on their respected seats in line with their traditions with neutrality to guide the younger generation but sadly are still fixated at contesting for partisan politics.
“In my opinion, they should not be involved in politics again. They should rather sit down and direct the younger ones but the same people have relegated that position living a big gap sometimes with no one credible enough to fill.
“To my surprise also, elders are still participating in politics while some are still taking sides on sensitive issues where they are supposed to be neutral.” Said Bembella.
Bembella who is a household name in the Mada kingdom of Akwanga said that both the elders and younger generation should trust him in the elections because he has been tested in his service to humanity and has a shiny pedigree to show for it.
Why residents should trust him as their their next senator
On why residents of the zone should trust him with the office, he went on: “they should trust me by reason of my pedigree and also my track record as I contribute to humanity.
“We have good testimony of what we have been able to do both here in the headquarters of the zone and around the other areas.
” I have lived with people around here for the past 30 years and have not been found wanting. I have been tested to serve where I retired and gave a good account of myself.
“I have always had interests in politics especially the PDP since 1999. But I have used it to support politicians and party activities, it started around 2013 till date.
“That was when we started supporting individuals who have stakes in elections. But for full participation, I would say that started in 2024.and it will continue by God’s grace till I get to the Senate.”
As a traditional chieftain, he is also the Waziri of the Mada kingdom which is an influential position to hold in any kingdom and he actually plans to utilize his influence in the kingdom to account regularly on his achievements which he feels will bring the constituency up to speed with his actions.
On his message to the 35 electoral wards in the zone, he noted that he will work towards creating an assembly of the people in the three council areas of Wamba, Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon so that the quality of representation will increase.
Akwanga he noted was supposed to have about 14 electoral wards but it has been brought down to eleven which the contestants have to contend with.
To the young people of the zone, Bembella advised them not to mortgage their future for pittance that desperate politicians share on elections day.
He urged them to avoid vote buying and progress beyond the anti partisan politicians who come with such freebies to compromise their lives and the entire electoral system.
Bembella is a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria who has paid his dues in his service to humanity.
Remain neutral during elections, Senate aspirant Bembella urges Nasarawa North elders
2027 VP Certificate of Return: The Triumphant Shettima
By: Dr James Bwala
The formal presentation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential nomination certificate to Vice President Kashim Shettima by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. This event is not merely ceremonial; it signifies the consolidation of a strategic political partnership and underscores the indispensable role of the vice presidency in national governance and electoral calculations. The critics who have underestimated the political significance of the vice-presidential office, relegating it to a position of symbolic presence confined to social functions, must now reconsider their stance. Vice President Kashim Shettima emerges not only as a formidable political figure but also as a master in governance, diplomacy, and relationship building, making him the ideal running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The fallacy that Shettima serves only as a figurehead or mere attendee at weddings and funerals fails to appreciate the sophisticated political dynamics underlying such social engagements. In the complex web of Nigerian politics, public appearances at community events are far from trivial. They represent critical opportunities for leaders like Shettima to forge bonds, nurture trust, and demonstrate empathy with various constituencies. This aspect of grassroots engagement is very important for political sustainability and electoral success, especially in a nation as ethnically and regionally diverse as Nigeria.
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Vice President Shettima’s approach over the past three years under President Tinubu’s administration exemplifies a transformative model of vice-presidential leadership. Unlike his predecessors, who often remained distant or disengaged from the public beyond official duties, Shettima has established himself as the most sociable and accessible vice president in Nigeria’s recent history. His consistent presence across the six geopolitical zones—attending significant social, religious, and cultural events—reflects a profound understanding of Nigeria’s sociopolitical fabric. This strategy has enabled him to cultivate a broad base of support that transcends ethnic and regional divides, an asset invaluable to any national campaign.
The ability to emotionally connect with people through shared experiences at weddings, funerals, and other communal gatherings creates a lasting impact that goes beyond superficial visibility. It stirs a deeper level of connection, fostering loyalty and goodwill towards the leadership. Shettima’s sensitivity to these moments has rendered him not just a political figurehead but a trusted representative of the people, fulfilling the crucial role of bridging government and citizenry. Such engagement is fundamental to democratic governance and a testament to his political acumen.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
The lessons gleaned from Shettima’s network-building efforts reveal a nuanced grasp of power and influence unique for effective leadership. Politics, especially in a federal system like Nigeria’s, requires more than policy expertise; it demands strategic alliances and interpersonal relationships. Shettima’s success in cultivating friendships and collaborations among diverse political actors has strengthened both his profile and the APC’s reach. This extensive networking capacity reinforces his suitability as a vice-presidential candidate who can unite various factions and present a cohesive front in the 2027 elections.
The significance of Shettima’s receipt of the certificate of return extends beyond personal triumph; it symbolises the resilience of democratic processes within the APC and the broader Nigerian polity. Despite detractors and so-called “wishy-washers” who sought to undermine his candidature, the vice president’s nomination confirms the party’s confidence in his leadership qualities and electoral appeal. It sends a clear message that the vice-presidency is a vital component of executive power and electoral strategy—a partnership essential for steering Nigeria towards stability and progress.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
In addition, Shettima’s persona as the “people’s vice president” and “Jagoran Arewa” (Leader of the North) impact deeply with the northern electorate and beyond. His background and proven track record furnish him with the legitimacy and moral authority to address regional concerns while maintaining national unity. This dual appeal is critical in a country where ethnic and regional identities profoundly shape political allegiances. His ability to balance these identities within the framework of national integration positions him as a unifying figure capable of advancing inclusive governance.
Critics who diminish the vice-presidential role overlook the institutional and constitutional responsibilities that the office entails. The vice president is not merely a standby official but an active participant in policymaking, governance, and representation. Shettima’s tenure has demonstrated commitment to these responsibilities, often spearheading initiatives and representing the presidency on critical domestic and international platforms. This proactive stance challenges outdated perceptions and elevates the office’s relevance in contemporary Nigerian politics.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/kashim-shettima-the-imperative-of-agricultural-revitalization-and-the-case-for-the-niger-deltas-agrarian-future/
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presentation of the APC vice-presidential nomination certificate is a landmark achievement that validates his political stature and strategic importance. His journey from perceived marginalisation to political prominence showcases the power of relationship-building, empathy, and visionary leadership.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential elections, Shettima stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the vice presidency—one characterised by active governance, broad-based support, and commitment to the nation’s unity and progress. The triumph of Shettima is not just a personal victory; it is a collective affirmation that strong, socially engaged leadership at all levels of government is indispensable for Nigeria’s democratic future. Congratulations to the people’s vice president and Jagoran Arewa on this well-deserved milestone.
*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
2027 VP Certificate of Return: The Triumphant Shettima
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