VP Shettima seeks nationwide support for President Tinubu’s policies

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to support the programs and policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, affirming that the President has the best interests of all citizens at heart.

During a courtesy visit by media practitioners from northern Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima dispelled rumors of President Tinubu’s bias against the North or Islam. He emphasized that the President’s appointments to key positions in Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) reflect a commitment to inclusivity.

Addressing the planned nationwide protests, Vice President Shettima acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but cautioned about potential negative consequences. He urged Nigerians to consider the broader impact of such actions while expressing their grievances.

“Protesting is a right, but it can lead to significant losses if hijacked by unscrupulous elements,” the Vice President stressed.

Shettima highlighted that current statistics of appointments into MDAs show President Tinubu’s selection of northerners for key areas such as agriculture, security, communications technology, and health, among others. He maintained that the administration has genuine intentions to transform the lives of many in the North through initiatives geared toward addressing local issues.

Citing examples like the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) and the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, the Vice President said, “President Tinubu means well for the North. We must correct the misinformation that the President does not support the North. He signed the Northwest Development Commission bill into law and approved the RSPIC Initiative—a non-kinetic approach to the crisis in the northwest. These policies will have a direct and positive impact on the northern people.”

Shettima reiterated, “The President is a good and just man who loves the North and is committed to its transformation.”

He also emphasized the need for media support, stating that protests will not guarantee development for the region. “I appeal to you to unite and support the development of our region under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not the time to protest. We in the North need to promote actions and ideals critical to our country’s development; we cannot allow things to degenerate.”

The Vice President urged media practitioners to mobilize the region to leverage the opportunities offered by the Federal Government to improve lives and livelihoods. He stressed that President Tinubu has shown his commitment to the North through strategic appointments and called on northerners to support the current administration to enhance regional development.