VP Shettima Alleges Jonathan Tried to Remove Him as Governor — Sparks Debate Over Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Officials
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has opened up about a dramatic chapter during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, alleging that former President Goodluck Jonathan once tried to oust him from office — but was firmly told he lacked the constitutional powers to do so.
Speaking at the launch of “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block”, a new book by ex-Attorney General Mohammed Adoke, Shettima recounted the attempted power play during Jonathan’s administration.
“Aminu Tambuwal had the courage to tell the President, ‘Your Excellency, you don’t have the powers to remove an elected councillor,’” Shettima said.
He added that despite the initial pushback, Jonathan raised the issue again during a Federal Executive Council meeting. Once again, the legal voices in his cabinet — including Adoke and Kabiru Turaki — stood firm.
“Mr. President, you do not have the powers to remove a sitting governor, not even a councillor,” Adoke reportedly stated.
Shettima, who governed Borno from 2011 to 2019 and later served as senator, revealed that he was “public enemy number one” during the last four years of Jonathan’s presidency.
Yet, despite the political heat, he says the two have since reconciled.
“That incident laid the foundation of my relationship with Adoke,” Shettima noted, praising the former AGF for his integrity and forgiving nature.
Contrast with Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers State Officials
Shettima’s revelation comes at a time when the current administration — in which he serves as Vice President — is facing scrutiny over President Bola Tinubu’s controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing persistent political unrest, legislative collapse, and security threats.
“No responsible President will stand by and allow this grave situation to continue,” Tinubu said in a national broadcast.
The decision, he stated, was based on Section 305(5) of the Nigerian Constitution and followed a Supreme Court ruling that severely criticized the Rivers governor for operating without a functional legislature.
