…By Larry John for TDPel Media. Vice President Kashim Shettima has issued a statement clarifying his recent comments made during an interactive session with senators.
He emphasized that his remarks, which advocated for a Southern Christian and a Northern Muslim to lead the 10th Senate, were taken out of context.
The Vice President, in a statement signed by the Director of Information in his office, Olusola Abiola, clarified that his intent was to promote inclusivity and maintain a balance of representation in the Senate.
Misinterpretation and the Importance of Balance
The statement highlighted that the Vice President’s comments were stripped of context and maliciously circulated to undermine the suitability of Muslim candidates in the Senate leadership race.
It stressed that the Vice President’s intention was to address the prevailing political structure and ensure diversity by suggesting the possibility of choosing a non-Muslim candidate, even if less qualified, to balance the existing Muslim President and Vice President.
Aligning with Party Strategy and Mitigating Potential Crisis
The statement emphasized that the Vice President’s position aligns with the All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s strategy.
It stated that the North-West region was assigned the leadership of the House of Representatives, and the position of Deputy Senate President was designated for the same region.
This approach aimed to mitigate any potential crisis caused by concerns of domination by a single religious faith in all branches of government.
Distancing from Inferences and Calls for Inclusivity
The statement reiterated that the Vice President, as a Muslim himself, would never question the competence of fellow Muslims.
It denounced the dangerous inferences drawn from his remarks and emphasized that the Vice President appeals for inclusivity to prevent any agenda aimed at undermining the government and Nigeria as a whole.
Highlighting Covert Intent and Politics of Division
The statement shed light on the covert intent behind certain actions, with some lawmakers pushing for Muslim leadership in the National Assembly to legitimize grievances against the Nigerian state and incite chaos.
It highlighted the contradiction between their opposition to a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and their current campaign for Muslim-dominated positions in the country’s highest offices.
Gratitude and Call for Unity
The statement expressed gratitude to media outlets that provided context and resisted mischaracterization.
It called for unity and focused attention on the critical state of the nation, urging against distraction caused by mischief-makers.
The Vice President remained grateful to those who looked beyond sensationalized headlines and continued to support the betterment of the country.
Conclusion:
Vice President Shettima’s clarification statement aimed to address the misinterpretation of his comments on Senate leadership and reaffirm his commitment to inclusivity and balance.
It highlighted the need for diversity in representation and warned against the politicization of divisions in Nigeria.
The Vice President expressed gratitude to those who understood the context and called for unity in the best interest of the nation.