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Tag: Vice President

  • List of Northern politicians allegedly fixed to replace Shettima ahead of 2027 elections

    List of Northern politicians allegedly fixed to replace Shettima ahead of 2027 elections

    Amid mounting political speculation surrounding the future of Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Presidency has firmly dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is considering replacing him with another northern politician.

    Reports had circulated suggesting that six prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) were being considered as potential running mates for President Tinubu in 2027.

    However, high-ranking government sources have categorically stated that “no such plan” exists, emphasizing that the relationship between the President and Vice President remains strong and intact.

    The individuals rumored to be in contention include:

    •Abdulaziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State

    •Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser

    •Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State

    •Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State

    •Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State

    •Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

    Each of these names reportedly emerged based on strategic political and religious considerations. Sources suggest Yari is favored by some due to his longstanding political alliance with Tinubu. Ribadu, on the other hand, is believed to be seen as a viable long-term presidential candidate for 2031.

    Dogara’s name has allegedly been floated as a way to adjust the religious makeup of the ticket—moving from the current Muslim-Muslim arrangement to a Christian-Muslim pairing, potentially broadening national appeal.

    Meanwhile, the inclusion of Governors Bago, Sani, and Yahaya is reportedly attributed to their growing political stature and commendable performances in office, which have earned them significant support among party loyalists.

    Speaking on the matter, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the speculation, asserting that there is no discord between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. He described the rumors as baseless and premature, noting that decisions regarding running mates are typically made only after party primaries.

    “The President and his Vice are united in purpose,” Onanuga said. “Discussions about 2027 ticket configurations are not only speculative but also entirely premature at this stage.”

  • Strange object hits Vice President, Shettima’s Plane in US, aborts CHOGM trip

    Strange object hits Vice President, Shettima’s Plane in US, aborts CHOGM trip

    Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on Thursday aborted his trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa as a strange object hits his plane in US.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu delegated Shettima
    to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming meeting.

    The presidency, however, on Thursday night, announced that Shettima’s trip had been cancelled, revealing that a foreign object hit his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York.

    Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga who said a ministerial delegation will now represent Nigeria stated, “The foreign object damaged the cockpit windscreen of the plane.

    “President Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia while the plane’s repair has commenced.

    ”The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, is being led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal.

    “The summit began on the Pacific island on 21 October. It will end on 26 October. Vice President Shettima and foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar have left New York for Nigeria.”

  • Just in;: Kenyan Senators vote to sack Vice President

    Just in;: Kenyan Senators vote to sack Vice President

    Kenya’s upper house of parliament is set to vote Thursday on whether to remove Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office in an unprecedented political saga that has gripped the nation.

    The Senate will give its verdict at the end of the second day of an impeachment trial against the embattled number two to President William Ruto.

    It follows a historic vote last week in the lower house, the National Assembly, to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges including corruption, insubordination, undermining the government and practising ethnically divisive politics.

    A trial in the Senate began Wednesday after the 59-year-old, also known as “Riggy G”, failed in multiple court bids to halt the process.

    The outspoken politican arrived at parliament on Thursday, shortly before the session opened, and is expected to testify in his defence later.

    Gachagua has denied all the charges — and no criminal proceedings have been launched against him — but he will automatically be removed from office if the Senate approves his impeachment.

    If this happens, he would be the first deputy president to be ousted in this manner since impeachment was introduced in Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution.

    Gachagua, who has protested that he is being treated like a “spent cartridge”, can however fight the impeachment in the courts once the parliamentary process is completed.

    Among the names of possible successors floated by the Kenyan media are Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Foreign Minister and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and a county governor, Anne Waiguru.

    Gachagua’s chances of survival are slim if opposition members in the 67-seat Senate back the ruling party as witnessed in the National Assembly vote on October 9.

    Unlike the process in the lower house, where MPs delivered their verdict on the entire motion, senators need to back just one charge, by at least two-thirds of the votes, for the impeachment to succeed.

    An overwhelming 282 MPs in the 349-member assembly had overwhelmingly voted to impeach Gachagua, well over the more than two-thirds required.

    A powerful businessman from Kenya’s biggest tribe, the Kikuyu, Gachagua weathered previous corruption scandals to become deputy leader as Ruto’s running mate in the closely fought 2022 election.

    But in recent weeks, he has complained of being sidelined by the president, while also being accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that broke out in June.

    Political tensions have been running high since the sometimes deadly demonstrations erupted over unpopular tax hikes, exposing divisions in the top echelons of power.

    At a media briefing ahead of last week’s vote, Gachagua vehemently rejected what he called “nonsensical allegations” and said the efforts to oust him disregarded the will of the Kenyan people in 2022.

  • Kenya’s Vice President faces impeachment over corruption

    Kenya’s Vice President faces impeachment over corruption

    Kenya’s parliament was set to vote on Tuesday on impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in a political drama that has exposed a rift in the governing party.

    Lawmakers have accused the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto of corruption, undermining the government and practising ethnically divisive politics, among a host of other charges.

    At a press conference on Monday, Gachagua denied the accusations as “outrageous” and “sheer propaganda”, saying it was a scheme to hound him out of office.

    Gachagua is a businessman from Kenya’s biggest tribe, the Kikuyu. He weathered previous corruption scandals to become deputy leader as Ruto’s running mate in a closely fought election in August 2022.

    But in recent weeks, he has complained of being sidelined by his boss and been accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that broke out in June.

    Political tensions have been running high since the sometimes deadly demonstrations erupted over unpopular tax hikes, exposing divisions between Gachagua and Ruto.

    Several MPs allied with Gachagua were summoned by police last month, accused of funding the protests.

    No formal charges have been lodged by prosecutors and no judicial inquiry has been opened against Gachagua.

    But lawmakers have listed 11 grounds for impeachment, including accusations that he amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, despite an annual salary of just $93,000.

    Among the listed assets was Kenya’s renowned Treetops Hotel, where Britain’s then-Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became queen.

    Gachagua says his wealth has come entirely through legitimate business deals and an inheritance from his late brother.

    He has warned his removal would stir discontent among his supporters.

    Kenyan lawmakers initiated the impeachment process on October 1, with 291 members of parliament backing the motion, well beyond the 117 minimum required.

    Two-thirds of the lower house, the National Assembly, must back the motion for it to pass on Tuesday. It would then move to the upper house, the Senate.

    If impeached, Gachagua would become the first deputy president to be removed in this way since the possibility was introduced in Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution.

  • ‘I regret have not been able to fulfill expectations’ – Iranian vice president resigns

    ‘I regret have not been able to fulfill expectations’ – Iranian vice president resigns

    Iran’s Vice-President Mohammed Javad Zarif has resign, leaving President Massud Pezeshkian’s cabinet just 11 days after his appointment.

    “I am not satisfied with my work and regret that I have not been able to fulfill expectations,” the moderate politician said on his X platform.

    Zarif hinted that the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian ‘s new cabinet had been the reason for his decision.

    According to Zarif, at least seven of the 19 ministers nominated were not his first choice.

    Zarif’s withdrawal is the second crisis for Pezeshkian since he took office at the end of July, following the killing of the Palestinian militant Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

    Zarif was Pezeshkian’s right-hand man during his presidential election campaign and, due to his popularity, also played a key role in Pezeshkian ‘s victory.

    However, after the election, Zarif and a group of experts were to compile a list of candidates for government posts who would implement promised reforms.

    Pezeshkian presented a list on Sunday which observers believe did not match the plans and promises of reform.

    Observers assume that Iran’s hardline arch-conservative faction imposed some ministers on Pezeshkian .

    Zarif was also one of the key figures for Pezeshkian in the implementation of his new foreign policy line.

    Zarif was the country’s chief diplomat between 2013 and 2021 and was able to conclude the international nuclear agreement with the six world powers in 2015 as head of the Iranian negotiating team.

    With him and a new team of diplomats, Pezeshkian hoped to resume the nuclear negotiations so that the sanctions that are paralyzing the Iranian economy could be lifted.

  • Nigeria’s Vice president, Shettima to speak on agribusiness at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit

    Nigeria’s Vice president, Shettima to speak on agribusiness at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit

    Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima has on Sunday departed Abuja for Dallas, United States of America, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa.

    his was made known by statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.

    According to Nwokocha’s statement, Shettima will join other political and business leaders across Africa, the United States of America and beyond for the summit featuring high-level dialogues, networking business sessions and the plenary.

    Among African leaders expected at the summit include, President Joseph Boakai of the Republic of Liberia; President Lazarus Chakwera of the Republic of Malawi; President Joao Lourenço of the Republic of Angola; President Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of the Republic of Botswana; President José Maria Neves of the Republic of Cabo Verde, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honourable Nthomeng Majara.

    Besides the summit plenary, Senator Shettima is expected to speak at the Roundtable on African Infrastructure Investment with a focus on impact and returns.

    He is also scheduled to speak on a high-level panel on agribusiness, focusing on transiting “from food insecurity to thriving agribusinesses”.

    The statement also adds that the Vice President will speak at a plenary session on Navigating Africa’s Energy Future, chair a session dedicated to promoting the ‘invest in Nigeria’ initiative as as attend other meetings and engagements on the sideline of the summit

  • Vice president, two ministers, others meet Buhari in Daura

    Vice president, two ministers, others meet Buhari in Daura

    Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday visited immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.

    Shettima alongside Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Budget, Senator Rochas Okorocha, and few other dignitaries made the visit to Buhari in Daura.

    The Vice President was received by the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.

    The meeting was disclosed by Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, via X.

    He wrote: “Happening now, Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Daura, Katsina State. He is currently the guest of former President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    The details of the meeting is yet to be released as of press time.

  • Vice president, Shettima resumes office, assures of good governance

    Vice president, Shettima resumes office, assures of good governance

    Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima resumed work at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Borno- born politician  resumed at the Vice President’s Wing of the Presidential Villa at about 12:39 pm on Tuesday.

    Addressing State House correspondents on his first day in office, Shettima assured of his commitment and that of President Bola Tinubu towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

    On the issue of fuel scarcity that was occasioned by Tinubu’s announcement of fuel subsidy removal, Shettima assured Nigerians of the current administration’s commitment to making Nigeria better.

    Tinubu and Shettima were inaugurated yesterday at the Eagles Square in Abuja with many world leaders and dignitaries in attendance.

  • Cashless system helps in tracking election financing – Osinbajo

    Cashless system helps in tracking election financing – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says a cashless policy, when effectively operated in Nigeria, can help stem the surge of illicit election financing by making it possible to track funds.

    Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the vice president received a delegation of the EU Election Observation Mission led by Mr Barry Andrews.

    The EU Chief Observer is also a member of the European Parliament.

    “I think that what we should be looking at is to provide more infrastructures.

    “ The cashless thing has been really advantageous and helps with tracking.

    “That sort of infrastructure is useful for more financial inclusion and the more financial inclusion you have, the easier it is to track.

    “So much money can be spent without it being tracked under the current election financing practices in the country.’’

    Osinbajo acknowledged the serious difficulty in controlling election financing because of cash transactions.

    According to him, there are still infrastructure issues required to be in place to ensure an efficient cashless system in the country.

    “With cash transactions, it is still difficult to seriously control election financing.’’

    On electoral offences, the vice president said the Electoral Offences Commission Bill was at the National Assembly.

    He said he hoped that it would begin a new regime of dealing with electoral offences which would be helpful.

    “By and large, one shouldn’t expect INEC to be the investigator of electoral offences.

    “I think that law enforcement agencies should be responsible for arresting and prosecuting offenders, state by state.

    “Electoral offences are always seen through a political prism; people will always feel that they are being prosecuted because they belong to a certain party.

    “What is more important is that we have to find a system where the police could have a special unit for offences during the course of elections.

    “The Federal High Courts could also have a special jurisdiction to deal with offences and not extend beyond the Federal High Courts.”

    On the role of the judicial system, Osinbajo said that more attention should be paid to the monitoring of tribunals and their outcomes, calling for more scrutiny from the National Judicial Council.

    He disclosed that discussions had been had in the past concerning malfeasance on the part of some judges and those found guilty should be brought to the fore.

    “There should be sanctions and that way, we would be able to clean up and correct some of the problems,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Andrews said that the mission would be monitoring the elections coming up next month and hope for a peaceful and fair electoral process.

    According to him, it is the 7th time the INEC is inviting the EU Mission to monitor the elections, adding that the team had been in the country since Jan 11 and will be around until the end of March, 2023.

    Other members of the delegation include Ms Samuela Isopi, Ambassador, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and Mr Thomas Boserup, Deputy Chief Observer, EU Election Observation Mission.

  • Yemi Osinbajo jets out to Canada on official assignment

    Yemi Osinbajo jets out to Canada on official assignment

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor  Yemi Osinbajo, has left the shores of Nigeria for ottawa Canada for a three day national assignment.

    Osinbajo’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity,Laolu Akande disclosed through a statement signed and released by him.

    Akande made it known that Osinbajo’s visit will be the first high-level visit by a Nigerian leader to Canada since 2000 when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.

    The statement is titled ‘Osinbajo heads to Canada in first high-level visit in two decades.’

    The statement reads in part “The visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada as Prof. Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, tomorrow.

    “During the 3-day visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others, will also feature.

    “For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement read in part.

    Before delivering his public lecture, the Vice President will be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, which has significant engagements and collaborations with some institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development.

    Osinbajo is expected to meet the leadership of the Nigerian community, including from Nollywood and notable Canadian government officials of Nigerian descent

    He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors especially from the creative industry and technology.

    Nigeria and Canada have over the years maintained cordial bilateral relationships. As Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa, Nigeria holds a Bi-National Commission, the only one of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Osinbajo will head back to the country on Wednesday after his official visit to Canada would have ended.