Vice-President Kashim Shettima don reveal say only six out of the 19 northern governors support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidential bid during the 2023 election. He talk on Wednesday at the palace of Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
Shettima talk say opposition no stop Tinubu from pursuing im ambition. He describe the political atmosphere around the 2023 presidential contest as intense. According to am, several obstacles dey Tinubu path, but e remain determined to press ahead.
He talk say, out of 19 states in the North, only six actually believe and support Tinubu. He mention former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger and Malam Abdurrahman AbdulRazaq as some of them. But he talk say to avoid controversy, e no go name the other governors. Shettima insist say the northern governors wey support Tinubu no pass six. Even with that, Tinubu refuse to deter. He cross the road.
The Vice-President talk say the experience suppose teach politicians wey dey prepare for future contests lesson. He stress say political disagreement no suppose turn to permanent division among people wey dey seek elective office. He specially urge politicians for Kwara to reconcile after All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, no matter who win. He talk say political competition no be battle wey former allies go become permanent enemies.
According to am, Tinubu show that kind approach after 2023 election when e reach out to governors wey no support im presidential ambition. Shettima talk say after the election, President Tinubu hug and forgive all other northern governors wey no support am. He call that mark of good leader.
Shettima also call on Nigerians to serve with humility and leave positive legacy. He note say political office na temporary and people wey occupy authority go eventually return to ordinary life. He talk say political power na ultimately God dey ordain and urge politicians to know say occupying public office no make person better pass others. Power na God dey give to who e wish, not because dem better pass other people, e talk.
He also defend Tinubu handling of country economic difficulties. He talk say the administration choose to confront challenges e inherit instead of spend time to dey share blame. Shettima talk say government inherit about 3.9 billion dollars in coffers and face difficult economic situation when e assume office. He talk say Tinubu refuse to be discouraged and direct im economic team to proceed with reform agenda. He add say president political approach follow style of former President Muhammadu Buhari, wey he describe as politician wey no dey allow himself make dem arm-twist am during political negotiations.
The Vice-President commend Emir of Ilorin for honouring AbdulRazaq. He talk say governor elevation to Sardauna title go further strengthen relationship between governor family and Ilorin Emirate. He acknowledge contributions of AbdulRazaq late father to Ilorin Emirate and the country. He also praise governor administration for infrastructure projects and cooperation with federal policies.
Earlier, Shettima inaugurate Kwara State Revenue House on Ahmadu Bello Way and garment factory in Ilorin as part of im activities in the state. Matawali of Ilorin Emirate, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, describe Sardauna title as well deserved. He urge governor to see the honour as extra responsibility to deliver more dividends of democracy across the state.
The ceremony attract dignitaries including Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli. Deputy governors from several states, including Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo, also attend the ceremony.
