Vice President Kashim Shettima’s speech at a book launch in Abuja has reignited discussions on the delicate balance of power within Nigerian politics, drawing parallels to the recent political crisis in Rivers State.
Shettima disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to remove him as Governor of Borno State during the final years of Jonathan’s administration, labelling Shettima as “public enemy number one” due to the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno.
This revelation underscores a significant historical tension that has since been resolved, as Shettima noted, they have “sheathed the sword.”
The speech highlighted the intervention of then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who prevented Jonathan’s attempt by asserting that the President lacked the authority to remove an elected official.
This event is part of a broader narrative of political power struggles and legal boundaries within Nigerian governance. Shettima’s comments come at a time when Rivers State is experiencing its own political upheaval, with President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of a Sole Administrator.
This move has raised questions about the extent of federal intervention in state affairs, echoing the themes of Shettima’s past experience.
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The context of Shettima’s revelation is further complicated by ongoing political dynamics, including rumours of discord within the current administration, as suggested by social media reactions to his speech.
The situation in Rivers State, where similar issues of gubernatorial authority and federal intervention have been prominent, adds a layer of relevance to Shettima’s comments.
The political crisis in Rivers State, marked by tensions between the state government and the federal administration, mirrors the historical challenges Shettima faced, prompting a broader reflection on the stability and autonomy of state governance in Nigeria.
As the nation grapples with these political narratives, the interplay between federal and state powers remains a critical issue, with Shettima’s revelations offering a historical perspective that resonates with current events in Rivers State and beyond.
