Shettima Assumes Office, Rallies Support for New Administration

The New Diplomat
Writer
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged political office holders to put the interest, unity and progress of the nation above personal or sectional gains. Mr Olusola Abiola, Director Information, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima gave the advice at a reception to celebrate the appointment and accomplishments of Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the reception was organised by North-Central Governors’ Forum. Shettima also called on present and aspiring political office holders to emulate the SGF’s virtues. The Vice President, who paid glowing tributes to the SGF in a message titled ‘a life of honour’, described Akume as “an idea, a man of honour, a beacon of unity, loyalty and integrity in our nation. ” Let’s not only celebrate his appointment but also learn from his life. Sen. Akume’s political longevity is not by an accident. ” It is the result of his unwavering pan-Nigerian principle, reflecting his wisdom and vision of a peaceful, stable, and safe Nigeria.” Shettima also eulogized the virtues that have endeared the SGF to so many across political and ethnic lines. He added: ” We are not here to celebrate an individual; we are here to praise the potency of an idea; to raise a toast to a shining beacon of unity and integrity in our great nation. ” On the path that has led our honouree to this strategic position, we find woven the threads of unshaken belief in the ideals of a united Nigeria. “It is this belief that has been the driving force behind his every endeavour. ” The conviction that our strength lies in our unity and diversity, that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, has guided his steps and fuelled his determination.” Shettima described Akume “as the ally you can count on with your eyes closed, and that’s the highest compliment you can receive in politics. ” His journey to this height exemplifies his fidelity to the pact he has signed. “It’s what you do when you have agreed to uphold the values that our great nation holds dear. ” It’s what you do when you subscribe to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.” The Vice President also underscored the significance of character for aspiring political office holders. Shettima said: ” There are offices for which no amount of academic and professional qualifications is sufficient to earn you. ” Our honoree here today occupies one such office, an office that makes you understand why our learning institutions emphasize character when issuing degree certificates to their graduating students. ” Our honoree is here today because of his loyalty to a cause greater than himself. “In a time of wavering political loyalties, Sen. Akume is both a model and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to understand the importance of cooperation in public service.” Shettima said what truly sets Akume apart was his belief in fostering unity across the rich tapestry of religions, ethnicities, and regions that make up our nation. ” In a land of diverse cultures and traditions, his examples have transcended boundaries, bridging gaps, and nurturing understanding. ” His commitment to building bridges between different groups and backgrounds in one of the most challenging places to do so is the reason he is not just a man but an idea,” the VP added.” Dignitaries at the event included former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Deputy Speaker of House of Reps. Ben Kalu. Others were: Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi; Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue; Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger; Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau and Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi. Also in attendance were: Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara; former Governors Simon Lalong and Rochas Okorocha; North-Central elders; traditional and religious leaders and Ministers-designate, amongs others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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By Agency Report

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assumed duties at the Office of the Vice President, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Shettima was received at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday by members of staff of the Office of the Vice President and had a brief interaction with the staffers.

President Bola Tinubu and Mr Shettima were sworn-in on Monday at the Eagle Square, Abuja, by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola.

Shortly after taking his seat at the office, Mr Shettima fielded questions from State House correspondents.

He said that the new administration was committed to turning around the fortunes of Nigeria and solicited the maximum support of the citizens.

“To paraphrase the late John Kennedy, to whom much is given, much is expected; I believe this generation of Nigerians has a rendezvous with destiny.

“And my principal, Bola Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is poised to redefine the meaning and concept of modern governance.

“I want to assure Nigerians that he is going to provide the leadership and we will rally round him and give him our unequivocal support and loyalty to see the realisation of the Nigerian dream.

“A Nigeria where every black man in the world shall be proud of; this is the greatest black nation on earth; power to me is a humbling experience; it is all about how to make life better for the common man.’’

Mr Shettima assured that Mr Tinubu, would take Nigeria to high pedestal as he had the skillset, temperament, disposition, purity of mind and commitment to give service to the nation.

On fuel subsidy, he said that the president had already made pronouncement on the issue.

“The truth of the matter is that we either get rid of fuel subsidy or fuel subsidy gets rid of the Nigerian nation.

“And we know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade; we will face fierce opposition from those benefitting from the oil scam, fuel subsidy scam but where there is will, there is a way.

“Be rest assured that our president is a man of strong will and conviction; in the fullness of time, you will come to appreciate his noble intentions for the nation.

“The issue of fuel subsidy is going to be pointedly addressed; the earlier we do so, the better.’’

On multiple exchange rates, he said there was need to collapse it into one.

He said that the new administration would soon unveil its agenda.

“The president is going to unveil his agenda because as I have always said, there can never be two captains on the same ship.

“He is the President and Commander-in-Chief on the Armed Forces; as the vice president, your relevance is directly proportional to your level of loyalty to your principal.

“This is a gentleman that I have known for over a decade; that I have interacted closely with; be rest assured that we are going to work harmoniously as a team, as a family for the greater good of our nation,’’ he said.

He commiserated with Daar Communications over the death of its founder, Raymond Dokpesi, who he described as a good friend and good man.

(NAN)

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