Vice-President Kashim Shettima has issued an apology over a comment attributed to him during the race for the senate presidency.
Shettima was quoted as saying, “The most incompetent southern Christian is better than the most puritanical northern Muslim,” while advocating for a south-south Christian candidate to assume the position of Senate President.
Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) had nominated Godswill Akpabio for the role, Abdulaziz Yari, a Muslim senator representing Zamfara West, remained a contender until the end.
Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information in the Vice-President’s office, clarified that Shettima’s plea was misinterpreted and taken out of context by mischief-makers.
Abiola stated, “It would not be unwise for the lawmakers to choose a non-Muslim candidate, even if it means bypassing a more qualified Muslim contender, in order to achieve balance.”
Despite Abiola’s clarification, Shettima’s remarks continued to generate debates and discussions.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, the Vice-President expressed that he made those comments with Nigeria’s best interests in mind.
Shettima, who comes from a lineage of Muslim scholars, clarified that he had no intention of discrediting any religion in the country.
“I am human and imperfect, so I am seeking forgiveness from the community and from God,” he humbly stated.
