By Roseonallsides | July 11, 2025


In the wake of intense media speculation, the Office of the Vice President has issued a firm rebuttal to what it describes as “gross misrepresentation” of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent remarks at a public book launch in Abuja.


The event in question was the presentation of “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), held at the Yar’Adua Centre on Thursday, July 10.


Several media outlets had seized on the Vice President’s comments, where he recalled a past attempt by the Jonathan administration to remove him as Governor of Borno State during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency wrongly linking them to the current political developments in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara.


According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), the remarks were entirely historical and served to highlight the complex realities of leadership during national crises. The reference, the statement stressed, was made in praise of Adoke’s professional conduct at the time and was not directed at any current administration or situation.


What followed, however, was what the VP’s office described as an “irresponsible twisting” of context by some commentators, who drew parallels between the past episode and the state of emergency recently declared in Rivers State, along with the suspension of Governor Fubara by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


The clarification issued Friday categorically stated that President Tinubu did not remove the Rivers Governor, but acted constitutionally by enforcing a suspension amidst what was described as an "unprecedented breakdown of public order." This included political violence, the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex, and threats of impeachment against the governor.


Citing Sections 305(1)(c) and 305(2–3) of the Nigerian Constitution, the statement affirmed that President Tinubu’s actions were within legal bounds and ratified by an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.


“Vice President Shettima’s speech was a scholarly reflection on how far Nigeria’s democracy has come, not a veiled critique of current government decisions,” the statement read. “To misinterpret that is either careless or calculated mischief.”


It went on to reaffirm the Vice President’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and the united stance of the administration in preserving constitutional order.


As the political temperature continues to rise across the country, the message from the presidency is clear: unity, lawful governance, and responsible commentary are crucial to maintaining national stability.