Shettima Recounts Dark Days: “Jonathan Tried To Kick Me Out Of Office”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has recounted how former President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly attempted—unsuccessfully—to remove him from office during his tenure as Governor of Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Thursday at the public presentation of the book “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block,” authored by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, Shettima recalled the intense political pressure he faced during the last four years of the Jonathan administration.

According to NIVONEWS, the Vice President described himself as “the most demonised” and “public enemy number one” during that turbulent period, alleging that President Jonathan considered various methods to force him out of office.

“There are decisions that are often taken in a tightly controlled political inner circle—the President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. In one such meeting, former President Goodluck Jonathan, with whom I have since reconciled, was reportedly exploring options to remove me as Governor of Borno,” Shettima said.

According to NIVONEWS, the Vice President revealed that it took the intervention of several key figures in Jonathan’s cabinet to dissuade the President from proceeding with the plan. He cited the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, former Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke, and Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki as voices of reason.

“Aminu Tambuwal told the President, ‘Your Excellency, you don’t even have the powers to remove an elected councillor, let alone a sitting governor.’ Mr Adoke reinforced this position, making it clear that such an action would be unconstitutional. Turaki concurred. That was how the entire plot was shelved,” Shettima said.

According to NIVONEWS, the Vice President went on to commend Adoke for his principled stance during that era and for his ability to forgive, despite being targeted and vilified in the course of his public service.

He concluded by noting that those moments forged lasting bonds between him, Tambuwal, and Adoke, adding that his once strained relationship with Jonathan has since been repaired.

”NIVONEWS REPORTS”