Vice President Kashim Shettima has raised the alarm over what he said was the twisting of his advocacy for a Southern Christian senate president for the purpose of balancing because of the present political configuration of the country. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE reports.Information Guide Nigeria
His appeal had come during an interactive session with senators campaigning for the emergence, as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, of Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin, on Sunday.
During the meeting, Shettima emphasized the nation’s current political structure and made a case for the emergence of a Southern Christian and a Northern Muslim as the fairest balance to promote inclusivity at the centre.
Other Top Stories:
- Godswill Akpabio elected as new Senate President
- JUST IN: National Assembly Elects Jibrin Barau as New Deputy Senate President
- Accord Party charges Tinubu to declare late MKO Abiola President-elect
- Sickness: Ondo Deputy Gov fights Akeredolu over transfer of power
According to a statement by Abiola Sola, Director of Information, in his office, the Vice President’s statement was motivated by a profound awareness of the divisive factors within the nation and was in harmony with the governing party’s pledge to ensure inclusivity across all regions and among all groups.
The statement said the remarks have unfortunately been stripped of context and mischievously circulated as an attempt to minimize the suitability of Muslim contestants in the race for the Senate leadership.
It noted that President Bola Tinubu has wholeheartedly reassured the country of his dedication to providing every group with equal representation, which, it pointed out, has resonated with the Vice President who shares the same commitment to this honourable endeavour.JAMB Result
The statement added: “The remarks have not only been taken out of context but also misinterpreted to suit an agenda that sabotages our collective bid for unity.NYSC Portal
“What Vice President Shettima advocated during the meeting was that considering Nigeria’s President and Vice President are Muslims, it would not be ill-advised for the lawmakers to choose a non-Muslim contestant, even if against a more qualified Muslim option, in order to achieve balance.
“It is alarming that such an unambiguous plea has been unfairly misconstrued to imply that the Vice President said the most incompetent Christian candidate is superior to a Muslim candidate. One can understand why this absurd interpretation would be found distressing and hijacked by those with a malicious agenda to push.”