By: Dr. James Bwala
In the words of the former Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, exemplify the qualities of a servant leader, characterized by responsibility, commitment, and unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As vice president, Shettima has consistently demonstrated a leadership style that prioritizes the collective welfare over personal ambitions. His approach aligns with the principle of serving others first, ensuring that his actions support the administration’s broader goals rather than individual gain. This commitment is evident in his dedication to maintaining a unified presidential front, thereby fostering political stability within Nigeria’s complex governance landscape.
Despite circulating rumors suggesting internal discord or delegation of Shettima’s responsibilities with a deliberate move to stir political reactions, he considers that an opportunity to prove himself more loyal. And since there is no credible evidence supporting their claims and moves, Shettima’s unwavering stand keeps confusing them. They keep writing, predicting, and casting spells for a negative reaction from the Vice President in order to achieve their goals, but these unfounded allegations contrast sharply with reports from party officials and stakeholders who affirm Shettima’s integral role and loyalty within the administration. His steadfastness was notably highlighted during recent APC meetings, where attempts to question his position triggered significant backlash from party delegates and leaders alike.
Shettima’s leadership transcends mere political symbolism; he functions as both mentor and strategist dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s democratic project under President Tinubu. His focus on achieving “the greatest good for the greatest number” encapsulates his responsible governance ethos. Ultimately, Kashim Shettima stands as a paragon of dedicated public service—responsible in duty, committed in action, and loyal in allegiance—making him an indispensable asset to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
While opponents of Vice President Kashim Shettima have consistently sought to provoke a negative reaction from him, aiming to create a rift between him and his superior, they failed. When they employed the services of seers in writing and speeches to cast a spell at the good man, they failed. Despite their persistent efforts, Shettima’s composed demeanor remains unshaken at every critical juncture. His ability to maintain calm under pressure has frustrated those who expect or desire conflict, undermining their strategies and diminishing their influence. This measured approach demonstrates not only personal discipline but also political acumen in navigating complex dynamics without succumbing to provocation.
Even when so-called prophets and apostles of doom forecast imminent clashes involving Shettima, his wisdom-driven maneuvers continue to defy expectations. Instead of engaging in confrontations that could destabilize his position or the broader political environment, he opts for strategic patience and thoughtful responses. This restraint intensifies the frustration of his detractors, who are eager for discord but repeatedly encounter steadfastness instead.
Kashim Shettima’s consistent calmness makes him akin to the North Star—an unwavering point of reference amid turmoil. His steady presence not only symbolizes stability but also serves as a powerful counter-narrative to those seeking chaos. By embodying constancy and prudence, Shettima reinforces his leadership credibility while effectively neutralizing attempts to provoke conflict.
We have learned calmness and understand loyalty from our leader. The political dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) surrounding Vice President Kashim Shettima highlight a complex interplay of loyalty, strategy, and patience. The phrase “And for those of us loyal to Kashim Shettima, we shall not respond to those opposing him in the way they are expecting us to do, but we shall continue to keep them in their vomit until they completely yield to our calmness” encapsulates a deliberate approach of restrained opposition among Shettima’s supporters. Rather than engaging in overt confrontation or retaliatory tactics, this strategy emphasizes endurance and composure as mechanisms for eventual dominance and concession from opponents.
This approach is grounded in the recent tensions at an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe State, where failure by key leaders to acknowledge Shettima as the vice-presidential candidate triggered protests and threats of defection. Despite such provocations, loyalists’ commitment to measured resistance rather than impulsive reaction aims at maintaining party unity while exerting pressure on dissenting factions. This method reflects a nuanced understanding of political contestation that values long-term gains through calm persistence over immediate conflict.
James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
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