Shettima: Tinubu Provided Alternative Political Platform Under Obasanjo’s Presidency

•Says president served as sanctuary for victims of political persecution

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu provided an alternative political platform for Nigerians as Governor of Lagos State during the era of then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to him, while other governors were busy wining and dining with Obasanjo’s government, Tinubu remained steadfast as an alternative platform for the nation’s political system.

Addressing members of the new Board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) at the State House, Abuja, the vice president also reminisced that Tinubu was a bridge builder who made sacrifices as a sanctuary for victims of political witch hunts.

Highlighting Tinubu’s role as a sanctuary for victims of political persecution, Shettima said the need for leaders to invest in building bridges could never be wished away, noting the president’s contributions in providing an alternative platform for the Nigerian political system.

He said: “President Bola Tinubu made sacrifices and built bridges. He was a veritable sanctuary for victims of political witch hunts. When other governors were struggling to have a seat at the dining table with Obasanjo. Way back then, he provided an alternative platform for the Nigerian political system.”

The vice president also acknowledged Tinubu’s positive impact on the nation, attributing the President’s success to divine blessings and purity of his heart.

He said: “The road that led us to the Tinubu Presidency did not happen by chance. This is a man whose trajectory is characterised by making sacrifices for the good of the nation.”

Shettima charged the newly appointed Board of the NCPC to demonstrate unwavering devotion to duty.

He reminded the board members of the importance of religious commitment in addressing the challenges facing the nation.

The vice president said, “All of you here were picked because of your religious devotion. We cannot condone what is taking place in the system. We must all strive to make a positive impact to attain the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Speaking earlier, NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for the opportunity to serve on the board.

He also commended the vice president’s exceptional leadership, recounting instances of support for the church and efforts to foster peace and harmony in Borno State.

According to him: “Your antecedent and what we have known about you are immense. When we came to Maiduguri, Borno State, I was the Director of National Issues and Social Welfare at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“The then CAN chairman in Borno State said to us that they have an exceptional governor, who supported Christians and rebuilt churches destroyed by Boko Haram.”

He added that the vice president stood with the Church and ensured that there was peace and harmony in the Church in Nigeria and with people of other faiths.

Adegbite also noted that the commission’s role goes beyond pilgrimage as it extends to the duty of ensuring a harmonious environment for the nation.

“For us as a commission, our assignment is beyond pilgrimage. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that we have a harmonious environment for our nation, to build bridges and ensure that there is peace and harmony in Nigeria,” he stated.