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By Abdullah Ahmed
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian politicians to embrace one another and play politics without bitterness for the growth and development of the country.
Shettima made the call while speaking at the royal turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.
The Vice President advised Nigerians in positions of authority to serve with humility and do good to others, stressing that they would spend more time outside office after their tenure.
He urged Nigerians to embrace one another and have the courage to forgive each other, noting that power is given by God to whoever He wishes and not necessarily because such a person is better than others.
Shettima therefore called on politicians to see themselves as members of one family despite their political differences.
The Vice President described President Bola Tinubu as a good and decent leader who has the interest of Nigerians at heart.
He explained that when the Tinubu administration assumed office, the nation’s economy was on the verge of collapse, but the President refused to apportion blame and instead took responsibility for addressing the challenges.
Shettima recalled that during the 2023 electioneering campaign, fewer than six governors openly supported President Tinubu, partly because of the perception that he did not have a cordial relationship with some of them.
He said President Tinubu has since embraced everyone as his own, describing the development as a demonstration of the need for unity and inclusiveness in governance.
The Vice President also commended the Emir of Ilorin for honouring Governor AbdulRazaq, saying the title was a recognition of his contributions to the development of Kwara State.
He said the governor’s late father had left a good legacy in the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria, expressing optimism that the new title would further strengthen the relationship between the Emirate and the AbdulRazaq family.
Shettima commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his efforts in improving infrastructure and providing support for the people of Kwara State.
He also appreciated the governor for his contributions to the implementation of the Federal Government’s policies and programmes aimed at providing succour to Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Matawalin Ilorin Emirate, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, said the Sardauna title bestowed on Governor AbdulRazaq was well deserved.
Dr Alimi thanked the Emir of Ilorin for finding the governor worthy of recognition by the Emirate, urging him to regard the title as a clarion call to provide more dividends of democracy to people across the state.
The turbaning ceremony attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including Niger State Governor Umar Bago, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and representatives of other states.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as well as the Deputy Governors of Sokoto, Anambra, Nasarawa, Delta, Ondo and Oyo States, were also among the dignitaries at the ceremony.
