Vice President Kashim Shettima has fumed against online claims that his recent remarks over the Rivers State political crisis were disguised criticism directed towards President Tinubu

In a statement issued by his office on Friday, the Vice President described such misinterpretation as the handiwork of the opposition, bent on sowing discord with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)

“Certain individuals and platforms have stripped the Vice President’s remarks of their context to push a false narrative,” the statement said. “This is not only misleading but also a calculated attempt to fabricate a non-existent conflict within the administration.”

Recent online reports drew parallels between Shettima’s account and the recent developments in Rivers State, interpreting his comments as criticism of President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“The Vice President was not referring to Governor Fubara’s suspension or the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. Such interpretations are grossly inaccurate,” the statement emphasised.

The statement further explained that President Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State was a constitutional response to escalating political instability, in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It stressed that the suspension of officials was a legitimate effort to restore order, not a removal from office.

“Conflating suspension with removal, or drawing false equivalence with Shettima’s experience under Jonathan, is intellectually dishonest,” it added.

Shettima reaffirmed his full loyalty to President Tinubu and to the administration’s commitment to democratic order and constitutional governance.