Vice President Kashim Shettima has recounted the intense political attacks he endured during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing himself as the most vilified public figure in that era.
Shettima made the revelation in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of the book “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3bn Nigeria Oil Block”, written by former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
Reflecting on his time as Governor of Borno State, Shettima said he became the focal point of political persecution and was viewed by the government as a major adversary.
“In Jonathan’s final four years, I was arguably the most criticised and demonised political leader in the country. I was branded public enemy number one,” he said.
According to the Vice President, there were serious attempts to oust him from office, with discussions allegedly held at the highest levels of government. He disclosed that during a private meeting with top officials, then-President Jonathan explored the possibility of removing him as governor.
However, Shettima said it was Aminu Tambuwal, who was Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, who firmly opposed the move. Tambuwal reportedly reminded the gathering that not even a local councillor could be removed from office without following due constitutional procedures.
He added that Jonathan later raised the matter at a Federal Executive Council meeting, where Adoke advised against such action. Adoke, backed by another cabinet member and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Turaki, reportedly told the president that he lacked the legal authority to unseat an elected governor.
Shettima praised both Adoke and Turaki for defending the rule of law, saying their courage in standing by constitutional principles forged a lasting relationship between them.
He also lauded Adoke’s resilience and ability to forgive despite the many challenges and controversies that marked his time in office.
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