Vice-President Shettima Praises President Tinubu's Modesty and Leadership

Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed his appreciation for President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader who shuns luxury and is committed to transforming Nigeria's fortunes. Speaking on Thursday, August 15, at a book launch in Abuja, Shettima shared his surprise upon discovering Tinubu's modest home in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos, instead of the opulent estate he had anticipated. He noted that his own property in Maiduguri is more luxurious than Tinubu's residence, highlighting the contrast between their lifestyles.

Shettima praised President Tinubu as a leader making difficult but vital choices for the nation's future and urged Nigerians to support him. "In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have a leader that we can invest our trust in. I’m not playing politics; I’m speaking from the heart. I have seen the soul of Bola Tinubu, and he has a good soul," he stated.

The Vice-President emphasized Tinubu's intentions to make a lasting impact on the nation, saying, "He means well for the nation. He wants to live in a place of glory. He is not in power to engage in primitive capital accumulation. He is in power to leave landmarks in the sands of time. He is the most demonised politician in Nigeria. The first time I went to his house at Bourdillon, I was looking forward to seeing a mansion comparable to Buckingham Palace, with gardens, and swimming pools, but there was nothing special about that house. My house in Maiduguri is better than the house in Bourdillon."

Shettima also shared anecdotes to illustrate Tinubu's simplicity, such as his choice of garri with groundnut for lunch and his long-standing use of a single wristwatch. "He doesn’t even care. He has overcome all those odds to dress well. So we need to rally around this poor man. He has taken some bold steps. The economy that we met was in a huge mess," Shettima added.

Acknowledging the challenges inherited from the previous administration, Shettima stated, "But it wasn’t for us; we were part of the Buhari administration, we cannot deny that. We belong to the political family. It’s not about apportioning blame, but it’s about finding solutions to our nation’s needs. We knew there were challenges."

Shettima commended President Tinubu's courage in making tough decisions, including the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, saying, "The President has the courage, the political courage, and the willpower to take far-reaching decisions, and it always comes at a price. When a woman is about to give birth, it’s a very painful process, but after the child has come forth, it’s a cause for celebration. I believe that posterity will be very kind to this poor man."

Highlighting improvements in the economy, Shettima remarked, "He has taken far-reaching decisions, and the economy, we have crossed the river. The economy is now on a path to sustain growth. We are now exporting about 1.7 million barrels of oil per day, the Naira is stabilising against the dollar, and with the food security crisis that is confronting us, we cannot divorce ourselves from the realities in the global space."

He noted the compounded security challenges in the North Central and North West regions but assured that these issues would be addressed. "Be rest assured that in the coming months, Nigerians will see a sea of change in their fortunes. I want to ask all of us to rally around this poor man," Shettima concluded.