Kashim Shettima, the vice president-elect says his emergence for the role is a ‘child of necessity’ and not any plan to islamise Nigeria.
The incoming vice-president debunked fears that the administration of Bola Tinubu, the president-elect would be predicated on Islamisation of the country at the inauguration lecture on Saturday.
“If Tinubu who is married to a Christian and pastor at the Redeemed Christian Christian did not Islamise his own house, how can he be accused of planning to Islamise the country?” Shettima who stood in for the president-elect at the event said.
The banker-turned-politician who was governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari conducted the freest election in the country, during the just concluded general elections
Shettima reiterated at the event that the Tinubu-administration will address the issues of fuel subsidy and the dual interest rates, heavily criticized for fueling corruption under the outgoing administration of President Buhari.
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The Vice President elect revealed that he deliberately appointed an Igbo man and a practicing Catholic as his Aid De Camp (ADC) , while his Chief Security Detail, is also a Christian.
“So, the so called Boko Haram sponsor will now be protected by Christians,” he said.
He noted that there is no perfect democracy, but assured that the Tinubu’s dispensation, will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
“A vice president is as good as his loyalty to his principal,” he said at the event which had former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta as guest speaker.
“Let the sense of our jubilation be paused, instead, for now is not the time to revel in the enchantment of triumph, instead, let us come together and recognize the reality that has afflicted our nation and move from strength to strength.
“ Your Excellences, ladies and gentlemen, I was a child of necessity, there is no plan to islamise Nigeria.”
Kenyatta spoke on the theme ‘Deepening Democracy for Development and Integration”.
The National Youth Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, in his remarks, noted that the Youth of the country are contributing their widows mite, using the available opportunities.
He cited the entrepreneurial skills through the Flutterwave, achievements in the ICT sector and called on the government to create more opportunities for the youth.
“ You need to mentor the next generations of Bola Tinubu , Muhammadu Buharis, and African leaders, Thomas Sankaras.
We need to help our own people not just to see vision but run with the vision
You must give the young people the opportunities to raise their own capitals and make contributions
He also demanded opportunities for youths in the various boards, invest in youth innovation, provide grants and make it easy fir young people to run for offices.
He announced that the 59% reduction in the nomination fees by the party, led to the election of over 13 youths who are under 40 years into the 10th National Assembly.
He also advised the youths to step out and take their destiny in their hands.
Good will messages were received from the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Abubakar III; Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto and Amina Mohammed, a deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.
The event also featured inauguration exhibition themed: “ Nigeria Art: Hope Renewed… Limitless Possibilities” at the International Conference Center, Abuja.
