Shettima Breaks Silence, Hints at Rift with Tinubu Over Rivers State
Written by Okafor Joseph | Published July 11, 2025
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has subtly signaled a possible disagreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing concerns over an escalating political crisis. He accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of unlawfully demolishing the State House of Assembly complex and suspended both the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months. The president also suspended all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator of the state.
However, during the public presentation of “Burden of Service,” a memoir authored by former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Vice President Shettima shared a personal anecdote that appeared to criticize the presidential overreach in removing elected officials.
Recounting an incident from his time as Governor of Borno State, Shettima revealed that former President Goodluck Jonathan once attempted to remove him from office. Shettima said then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, had warned Jonathan:
“Your Excellency, you don’t have the power to remove even a local government councillor.”
He further praised Adoke for standing his ground, telling Jonathan:
“Mr. President, you do not have the power to remove a governor.”
Shettima added that he deeply respects Adoke’s courage and principles for upholding the constitution during a politically tense moment.
The Vice President’s remarks have intensified speculation about growing tensions between him and President Tinubu, especially amid rumors that Tinubu may drop Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Political analysts believe Shettima’s statement may be a subtle protest against the president’s actions in Rivers State, reigniting debates over constitutional powers and executive overreach in Nigeria’s democracy
