Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that President Bola Tinubu is neither anti-north nor anti-Islam, countering rumours suggesting otherwise.
This statement was made on Tuesday during a visit from northern media representatives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima noted that President Tinubu has demonstrated his support for the north through key appointments in Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He appealed for nationwide support for Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the president’s genuine intentions to benefit all Nigerians.
“Tinubu means well for the North. Let us disabuse the minds of our people who have been misinformed that the President does not like the North.
“Who was instrumental in signing the North-West Development Commission bill into law, and who created the Ministry of Livestock Development.?
“It is this same President. He gave the approval for the launch of the RSPIC Initiative, a non kinetic approach to the crisis in the northwest region by building an entire ecosystem for victims of the crisis”.
According to Shettima, current appointment statistics reveal President Tinubu’s preference for northerners in critical sectors such as agriculture, security, communications technology, health, and related services.
He stressed the administration’s commitment to transforming northern lives through initiatives addressing local issues.
Shettima cited the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) and the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to improving Nigerians’ lives.
“President Tinubu means well for the North,” Shettima said, urging people to correct the misconception that the President is anti-north.
He pointed to Tinubu’s role in signing the North-West Development Commission bill into law and establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Tinubu also approved the RSPIC Initiative, a non-violent approach to the northwest region crisis, aimed at building a supportive ecosystem for crisis victims.
Shettima emphasized these policies’ positive impact on the northern people, reaffirming President Tinubu’s just and benevolent disposition towards the region.
He called on the media to support the administration.
Addressing the planned nationwide protest, Shettima acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but warned of its potential negative consequences.
He noted that protests often result in huge losses and are historically hijacked by disruptive elements.
He urged people to unite and support the current government’s developmental initiatives for the region.
Shettima appealed to media practitioners to encourage northern citizens to utilize federal government opportunities to improve their lives and livelihoods.
He reiterated that President Tinubu’s appointments of northerners to sensitive positions demonstrate his commitment to the region, calling for northerners’ support to foster regional development.
