The Office of the Vice President has denied allegations that Senator Kashim Shettima’s remarks at a book launch were linked to recent media reports on the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President’s comments were taken out of context and misrepresented by some news outlets.
Nkwocha stated that Shettima’s comments were historical references to events that occurred during the Jonathan administration and constituted nothing more than an intellectual discourse on Nigeria’s constitutional evolution.
“The sensational reporting disappointingly tried to erect a highly mendacious argument about the state of emergency declared in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” he said.
The statement emphasized that President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State were taken within the constitutional framework and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to preserve democratic institutions and maintain peace. “Our laws provide an explicit framework for comprehending these matters with the nuance they deserve,” Nkwocha said, citing Section 305(1)(c) of the Constitution.
*”No Criticism of Govt Policies”*
Nkwocha stressed that Shettima’s speech was focused on the importance of public officials documenting their stewardship and the eternal nature of accountability in public service. “His historical references were made to illustrate the principled positions taken by public servants in the past, not a criticism of government policies,” he said.
*”Call for Responsible Reporting”*
The Presidency implored media organisations and political actors to abandon the destructive practice of wrenching statements from their proper context to fabricate nonexistent conflicts. “We emphasise that this administration remains unshakably united in its commitment to constitutional governance and the rule of law,” Nkwocha said.