Tinubu Forgives Northern Governors Who Opposed Him, Says Unity Key to Nigeria’s Progress – Shettima

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian politicians to put political differences behind them after elections and embrace reconciliation, saying the nation’s development requires unity and a willingness to forgive.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday at the Emir of Ilorin’s Palace during the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The Vice President disclosed that only six of the 19 northern governors supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition during the 2023 election, but said the President chose to forgive and embrace those who opposed him.

“You all know that we have 19 states in the North; out of these, only six actually believed and supported Tinubu, but Tinubu refused to be deterred. He was able to cross the road,” Shettima said.

He added that the political tension surrounding the 2023 election was intense, noting that Tinubu remained focused despite opposition to his ambition.

Shettima said Tinubu’s decision to reconcile with his former political opponents after the election demonstrated the importance of forgiveness and tolerance in leadership.

“After the 2023 election, President Tinubu hugged and forgave all other northern governors that did not support him. That is a mark of a good leader,” he said.

The Vice President appealed to politicians in Kwara State and across the country to close ranks after political contests, stressing that politics should not be treated as a “game of death.”

He advised political leaders to serve with humility and remember that they would spend more time outside office than in government, urging them to leave positive legacies and do good to others.

According to him, political power is entrusted to individuals by God and should not be interpreted as a reflection of superiority over others.

Shettima said, “We should embrace one another and have the courage to forgive one another. Power is given by God to whoever He wishes, not because such a person is better than others.”

He also called on politicians to regard themselves as members of one family despite differences in political affiliation, saying reconciliation remained necessary for the progress and development of the country.

The Vice President defended the administration’s handling of the economy, recalling that the Tinubu administration inherited what he described as a difficult economic situation.

He said the administration refused to shift blame but instead took responsibility and proceeded with measures aimed at stabilising the economy.

Shettima said the Federal Government inherited about $3.9 billion in the kitty, but the administration remained determined to pursue its economic agenda.

He commended President Tinubu for what he described as his ability to accommodate people with divergent political views and for trusting those working with him.

The Vice President also commended AbdulRazaq for his contributions to the development of Kwara State, particularly in infrastructure and the implementation of programmes aligned with the policies of the Federal Government.

He thanked the Emir of Ilorin for honouring the governor, saying the traditional title reflected AbdulRazaq’s contributions to the state and the Ilorin Emirate.

Shettima noted that the governor’s late father had left a positive legacy in the Emirate and Nigeria, expressing optimism that the new title would further strengthen the relationship between the AbdulRazaq family and the Ilorin Emirate.

Earlier, the Vice President inaugurated the Kwara State Revenue House along Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, as well as the state garment factory.

In his remarks, the Matawalin Ilorin Emirate, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, described the Sardauna title bestowed on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved.

He commended the Emir of Ilorin for recognising the governor andShettima urged AbdulRazaq to regard the honour as a fresh call to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people across the state.

The turbaning ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the country, including Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other state governors and deputy governors.

Also present were the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other traditional rulers and political leaders.