Shettima denounces misrepresentation of his remarks

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a detailed clarification following widespread misreporting of his comments at the recent launch of the book “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke,

In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on his comment on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Shettima noted that what he said became the subject of controversy after various online outlets distorted it to suggest a connection with the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

Nkwocha, stressed that the Vice President’s remarks were “grossly misrepresented” and taken out of context.

“Senator Shettima’s comments were made within the framework of acknowledging the author’s exemplary public service and professionalism during his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation,” Nkwocha explained.

“He was reflecting on historical events during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, particularly how the federal government once considered removing him from office when he was the governor of Borno State amid the insurgency in the North East.”

Addressing the false equivalence drawn by some media between Shettima’s past experience and the current situation in Rivers State, Nkwocha emphasised: “It is important to clarify that the Vice President’s reflections were not intended as commentary on the present crisis. To conflate his historical account with the recent declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a deliberate distortion.”

He further elaborated on the constitutional basis for the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State, noting, “President Tinubu acted strictly within the constitutional framework. The suspension of Governor Fubara was not a removal from office but a necessary measure to restore order amid a grave political crisis. The situation involved the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex, threats of impeachment, and politically motivated violence that paralysed governance. Such extraordinary circumstances demanded decisive federal action.”