Why I am backing Southern Christian for Senate Presidency, Shettima explains

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanempresss

13th June 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday clarified his position on the need for inclusivity in the National Assembly leadership.

Shettima, in a statement by Abiola Sola, Director of Information in the Office of the Vice President, said his support for Akpabio was not to look down on anybody or a section of the country but to underline the importance of diversity and justice.

It reads: “Senator Shettima’s statement was motivated by a profound awareness of the divisive factors within our great nation and was in harmony with the governing party’s pledge to ensure inclusivity across all regions and among all groups.”

The statement added that: “The Vice President wishes to distance himself from the wrong and dangerous inferences drawn by the public from his remarks. While some are made innocently and without mischief, some entities have seized on the story to cause further chaos that transcends the realm of power politics. This weaponization of our divisions is why the Vice President appeals for inclusivity to prevent any agenda designed to undermine the new government and Nigeria as a whole.”

Adding that the remarks, he said, have unfortunately been stripped of context and mischievously circulated as an attempt to minimize the suitability of Muslim contestants in the race for the Senate leadership.

Recalled that Kanempress reported that the Vice President, has said the most incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim.