History has proven that loyalty is an essential foundation for a strong and productive relationship between the president and vice president. It is the single most important factor in a successful president-vice president relationship. That is not discountenancing the role of competence and trustworthiness.
In this regard, the unfettered loyalty of the Nigerian Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and their cordial working relationship serves as a shining example for other leaders to emulate. In fact, Shettima is redefining the very essence of loyalty and this is greatly serving as a beacon of hope for the future.
This is because loyalty and trust are essential ingredients for success in any relationship, especially in leadership positions. When leaders are loyal to each other and work together in harmony, they are able to achieve more for their people. For example, when Shettima was governor of Borno State, he faced many challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency.
Now that he is vice president, he is continuing to work closely with Tinubu to address the challenges facing Nigeria. They have a shared vision for the country and are committed to working together to achieving it.
My appeal to Nigerians is to give President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima their maximum cooperation, especially my elders in the North. Members of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and Northern Alternative Forum (NAF) should come together and ensure that VP Shettima move the Renewed Hope Agenda to fulfilment in line with why Almighty God has chosen him as a democratically elected leader.
Shettima’s unfettered loyalty to Tinubu and cordial working relationship is a shining example for other leaders to emulate. It shows that it is possible for leaders to be from different backgrounds, but still work together effectively for the good of their people.
The VP’s multifaceted strategy for the Renewed Hope Administrations seeks to eradicate the threat of Boko Haram by regarding terrorism as significant menace to national peace and security of our fatherland. Shettima’s strategy wasn’t merely centered on military campaign. He also recognised the imperative of confronting the root causes of insurgency across the country.
To this end, with the approval of the president, he initiated significant economic palliatives aimed at combatting pervasive poverty and illiteracy that were catalyst for the insecurities.
Another leadership strategy Shettima adopted is that he commenced the process of resettlement of internally displaced persons. This marked a considerable milestone that heralded the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).
Vice President Shettima is a leader and a visionary who embodies the very essence of unassuming loyalty, detribalised Nigerian, and a beacon of hope for the future.
In a country where tribalism and regionalism are often used to divide and conquer, Vice President Shettima remains a staunch believer in the unity and progress of our great nation. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to a united Nigeria where every citizen is treated equally, regardless of their tribe or ethnicity.
Shettima’s unwavering loyalty to the people of Nigeria is evident in his selfless service and dedication to the betterment of the country. He is a man who puts the needs of the nation above his own personal gains, always tirelessly working towards the progress and development of the nation.
His actions and decisions are not influenced by ethnic or tribal sentiments, but by what is best for all Nigerians. He has shown that our differences should not divide us but rather unite us towards a common goal of a better Nigeria for all.
As a leader, Vice President Shettima is a true beacon of hope for the future of our country. He understands the challenges and struggles of the common Nigerian and is committed to creating a better and more prosperous Nigeria for all. His vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria is an inspiration to us all.
But it is not just his words that speak of his commitment to our nation; his actions also speak volume. From his time as the governor of Borno State, Vice President Shettima has been on the front lines, leading the efforts against insurgency and working to provide relief to the victims of conflicts in the North East. He has shown us that a true leader is not afraid to get their hands dirty in service to their people.
Furthermore, Vice President Shettima is a true example of what it means to be a servant leader. He is humble, compassionate, and always willing to listen to the concerns of Nigerians. He is a man who leads by example and is committed to creating a better future for the next generation.
Without mincing words, I can unequivocally say that President Tinubu is fortunate to have such a loyal leader in Vice President Kashim Shettima. He is a man of integrity, who has proven time and time again that he is driven by the desire to see Nigeria succeed. As we face the challenges of our nation, we need leaders like him who will put the interests of the people above political gain.
I want to say for the benefit of hindsight that dissagrements among leaders of the executive branch can have a significant impact on the stability of a country, as they can lead to political infighting and even violence.
History has also shown that absence of loyalty adversely undermines the fulfilment of the purpose of government, to be more specific, the delivery of campaign promises. A few examples will suffice to illustrate this.
In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni and Gilbert Bukenya served together as president and vice president from 2003 to 2010. However, their relationship deteriorated over time, and Bukenya was eventually forced to resign.
It would be recalled how the feud between President Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar, led to open confrontations. This sad tale almost grounded governance. Obasanjo and Abubakar served together as president and vice president from 1999 to 2007. However, their relationship became strained in the second term, which almost led to Atiku’s impeachment. Obasanjo had accused Abubakar of corruption and disloyalty.
In Kenya, Mwai Kibaki and Kalonzo Musyoka served together as president and vice president from 2003 to 2013. Also, in Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe and Joice Mujuru served together as president and vice president from 1980 to 2014.
In the United States where Nigeria copiously copied its presidential system from, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson had it rough. Lincoln and Johnson had a difficult relationship, even though they were both members of the Republican Party.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were political rivals, and their differences came to a head when they served as president and vice president, respectively, from 1797 to 1801.
Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun were also political rivals, and their relationship deteriorated over time. Calhoun was initially a supporter of Jackson, but he later became a vocal critic. He resigned as vice president in 1832 to become a Senator from South Carolina.
Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew served together as president and vice president from 1969 to 1973. However, their relationship was strained from the beginning.
The foregoing underpins my position that Nigeria is lucky to have a loyal Vice President in Shettima.
Loyalty between a president and vice president is important for a number of reasons. It helps to ensure that the two leaders are working towards the same goals. When the president and vice president are on the same page, they can more effectively govern the country and implement their policies.
As I conclude, I would appeal to all to rally behind Vice President Shettima and support him as he collaborates effectively with President Tinubu in their efforts to build a better Nigeria for all. Our northern politicians should not allow anyone from the region to use sentiment and blackmail to ridicule to undermine our country’s unity.
Instead of making ourselves willful tools in the hands of political desperados to bring Nigeria to disrepute in the name of scouting for evidence that does not exist, we should always embrace what Almighty God has destined for us. It’s time to look up to Vice President Shettima as our own worthy son God has ordained to work with President Tinubu with complete loyalty.
We must not be hoodwinked to fall for the political antics they used in sabotaging past administrations by planting insiders to update them with all actions of government. Now, they think they can still frustate the Renewed Hope Agenda from carrying out economic reforms and rejigging the country’s security architecture for the benefit of Nigerian.
They are not happy that they wasted and squandered their political fortunes creating bad blood among citizens just instigate and divert attention corruption allegations dangling in their head. Those creating enemies within shall be exposed, as we work with President Tinubu and VP Shettima to provide solutions to Nigeria’s economic problems.
Let us be inspired by VP Shettima’s unassuming loyalty, his detribalised nature, and his unwavering commitment to our nation. Together, with President Tinubu leading the way, we can create a bright and prosperous future for the North and our beloved country, Nigeria.
– Ibrahim is director, Communications and Strategic Planning, of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC).
