Disinformation Reigns as VP Shettima’s Preference for Southern Christian Senate President Sparks Controversy.

Disinformation Reigns as VP Shettima’s Preference for Southern Christian Senate President Sparks Controversy.

Abdul Muhammed Isa. Abuja

The Nigeria’s  Vice president Kashim Shettima recent  statement on “the worst and incompetent Southern Christian was better than the Northern Muslim in the senate presidency” has sparked controversies and created tension amongst Nigerians especially Muslims in the Northern part of the Country.

Politicians and some opinion leaders in the region  who viewed the statement by the Vice President as an insult to the largely Muslim population in the region , have urged him to withdraw the statement and equally apologize to the Northern Muslim community.

It is important to recognize the efforts and leadership qualities of the current Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, in defense of his position.

Firstly, it should be noted that Kashim Shettima has a track record of good governance and leadership in his home state of Borno in the North eastern part of the country where he served as governor for two terms.

 During his tenure, he initiated and implemented various development projects that had positive impacts on the lives of the people of the state.

He was also known for his responsiveness to the needs of his people and commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all.

 It is important to judge leaders based on their competence and leadership qualities rather than their religion or ethnicity.

This is where Kashim Shettima shines as his reputation precedes him, including his ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, his exceptional communication skills and his ability to inspire and motivate people.

In terms of his political career, Shettima has served in various capacities, as a commissioner and subsequently a governor in Borno  State  before he became a Senator representing the Central senatorial district of the state.

 This shows his vast experience in governance and politics, which is valuable in his current role as Vice President.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is a highly competent leader who has demonstrated his capabilities as a governor and now as the Vice President of Nigeria.

The statement regarding the competence of a Southern Christian versus a Northern Muslim in leadership positions according to a political commentator, Professor Khalifa Dikwa is unfounded and should not serve as a detraction from Shettima’s leadership accomplishments.

” The Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima is a worthy leader and a credit to Nigeria , some people decided to take his recent statement which was well intended, out of context or prejudice, ” Prof. Dikwa noted.

Professor Dikwa added that Kashim who served as the Governor of Borno State and a senator , exhibited several qualities that made him a respected, resilient and focused leader.

” As a practical leader, Shettima made decisions based on what was best for the people, rather than political expediency. He was known for his pragmatic approach to governance, which earned him the respect of his constituents”.

While some people  especially from the Northern part of the Country have been criticizing  Vice President Shettima’s statement as undermining the position of Muslim faithful in Nigeria ,the Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Nigerian Union Of Journalist, Abu Nmodu said the Vice President statement was  skewed out of context.

“What  Shettima really meant is for leadership balancing in the country which already has both President and  Vice as Muslims,” Nmodu explained.

Mr Nmodu who blamed some media practitioners for propagating  misinformation on complex issues, especially on current political issues, urged journalists to always simplify and explain complex concepts in a way that is accessible to their audience.

Mallam Suleiman Farinwata, a public affairs commentator who also blamed the misinformation of the Vice President’s statement on what he refers to as political crises merchants, said the context is the need to have a stable nation by having a Christian at number three position for the purpose of inclusion and stability in the Country.

“The statement is purely an appeal to the senators to consider stabilizing the country by giving the number 3 position to the Christians,” he said.

Those making the offensive comments regarding Shetima’s statement according to Farinwata, lack proper understanding of nation building and stabilization as well as politics.

Farinwata who accused some politicians and opinion leaders in the country for deliberately issuing misguided statements for selfish reasons , called on journalists to always provide accurate and transparent information to the public about government policies and decisions to help in building trust and promote effective governance.

An explanation backing Southern Christian Senate president, by Abiola Sola, director of information in the office of the Vice President said his comments were motivated by a profound awareness of the divisive factors within the nation, and were in harmony with the governing party’s pledge to ensure no group is left out.

He further said the support for a Southern Christian Senate president by the Vice President Kashim Shettima was misinterpreted to suit an agenda.