Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu would not tolerate anyone disrespecting or criticising the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in his presence, declaring that the President holds his predecessor in high regard.
Shettima made the remarks on Saturday at the APC presidential campaign rally in Plateau State, where he defended Tinubu’s approach to governance and his decision to accept responsibility for the country’s challenges rather than blame the previous administration.
The Vice President’s comments come amid a controversy surrounding former Minister of Transportation and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, who recently accused Buhari of misleading him over an alleged promise to support his presidential ambition and secure the APC ticket ahead of the 2023 election.
Shettima had earlier responded to Amaechi’s allegations in Jigawa State, defending the late president and his political legacy.
Speaking at the Plateau rally, Shettima said many leaders, upon assuming office, either blame their predecessors or avoid taking responsibility for inherited problems.
However, he said Tinubu chose a different path by accepting both the assets and liabilities of the administration he succeeded.
“And no matter how much respect he has for you, woe betide anyone who criticises late President Muhammadu Buhari in his presence,” Shettima said.
The Vice President described Tinubu as a transformational leader who took difficult decisions to prevent Nigeria’s economy from collapsing when he assumed office in May 2023.
According to him, the country was heading towards an economic crisis before Tinubu’s intervention.
“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was sworn in as the President of this country, our economy was teetering on the verge of collapse. We were on the road to Caracas,” he said.
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“He had the courage and conviction to take far-reaching decisions that have saved the economy from collapse. He is indeed a transformational leader, and I believe posterity will be kind to him,” he said.
He further claimed that Nigeria’s economy was now on a sound footing, with the country’s foreign reserves hovering around $60 billion.
Quoting the late American General Douglas MacArthur, Shettima said a true leader must have the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make difficult decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.
He specifically mentioned former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as one of the country’s greatest leaders produced by Plateau State.
He also listed several prominent personalities from the state, including John Kadiya, General John Shagaya, General Jeremiah Useni, Michael Audu Buba and Chief Solomon Daushep Lar.
The Vice President said Plateau State had made significant contributions to national development and should not be relegated to the periphery of Nigerian politics.
“I urge you, I beseech you, I implore you, as your kinsman, come January 16 next year. I want you to rally round our great leader, our unifying leader,” he told the gathering.
Shettima urged the people to support Tinubu and the APC candidates, including Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
He also appealed to voters to support the party’s candidates for the National Assembly and the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The Vice President further acknowledged the contributions of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing him as a son of the soil.
