The Presidency on Friday dismissed reports suggesting a link between remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a recent book launch and the political crisis in Rivers State.
A statement signed by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), described the reports as “gross misrepresentation” and “deliberate distortion” of the Vice President’s comments.
The statement followed online reports alleging that Shettima drew parallels between his past political ordeal and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Shettima had, during the public presentation of the book “OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block” authored by former Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) on Thursday in Abuja, referenced attempts by the Goodluck Jonathan administration to remove him as Borno Governor during the peak of the insurgency.
According to Nkwocha, the Vice President’s remarks were a reflection on past political events and a tribute to Adoke’s service as Attorney General.
“The Vice President’s comments were strictly historical, highlighting Nigeria’s constitutional evolution and the management of federal-state relations through legal mechanisms,” Nkwocha stated.
He explained that there was no link between the Borno episode under Jonathan and the current situation in Rivers State.
“President Bola Tinubu did not remove Governor Fubara from office. Rather, constitutional measures including a suspension were taken to address an unprecedented political crisis threatening governance and public safety in Rivers State,” the statement noted.
It further clarified that the measures taken by the Federal Government were in line with constitutional provisions, specifically Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to act during emergencies.
Nkwocha stressed that the suspension of Fubara was ratified by the National Assembly in line with constitutional requirements.
“The bipartisan support for the action shows that it was a constitutional necessity to restore order and preserve democratic institutions in Rivers State,” he added.
He also faulted attempts to misrepresent the Vice President’s remarks, describing them as either “wilful misrepresentation or neglect of constitutional context.”
Nkwocha reiterated that Shettima’s remarks were aimed at promoting accountability and good governance, noting his support for President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Vice President Shettima and the entire administration fully support President Tinubu’s actions to safeguard democracy,” the statement said.
The Presidency, therefore, urged media organisations and political actors to avoid misinterpreting statements to stir unnecessary political controversies.
