Nigeria Out of the Woods – VP Shettima

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Nigeria has weathered its hardest days as a nation and has pulled back from the brink of economic collapse, says Kashim Shettima, the country’s vice president.
The vice president, who expressed this view on Tuesday, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, when he led top political leaders and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa as the governor and deputy governor of Edo State respectively, stated confidently that “now we step forward into a time of growth”.
Shettima, who drew deafening ovation from ecstatic party faithful when, in recognising Senator Adams Oshiomhole, ex-governor of the state, quipped, “the return of the godfather”, a veiled reference to his bouncing back into political relevance in the state, posited that Edo State, central to the progress that the country had made, “elected a leader who sees beyond the present; a leader who knows the true needs of the people – from hospitals and schools to the roads and infrastructures that carry hope into every community. So, to the proud people of Edo State, I am honoured to share in your joy today”.
The vice president posited that, “When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would demand serious reform; reforms to step up looming fiscal and monetary threat to the stability of this great nation. We have embarked on these reforms with determination to lay a foundation for new opportunities.
“Today, we see leaders of integrity who built this foundation to benefit the people. I am proud that Edo State has chosen such men to lead the charge forward. The journey before us transcends partisan lines. We need a united front in the service to our people and no political party has managed its affairs with greater unity and purpose than the APC since we took charge.
“A house divided cannot stand. And the APC’s commitment to harmony and governance has shown that we are ready to lead. This is why we are here. Because the people recognised in us the dedication, not only to political victory, but to the nation’s progress”.
Extending his principal’s felicitations to Edo people, Shettima said “on behalf of the All-Progressives Congress and its allies across the nation and beyond, on behalf of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I thank you for placing your trust in us; for inviting us to continue this great journey after others have had their turn. This covenant you have made is one of hope, of progress and of collective welfare”.
According to the former Borno State governor, “Today, we gather to celebrate democracy in its fullest form. This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people. This joyful cheer, this resounding call for a brighter tomorrow is what democracy sounds like. This gathering is primarily sponsored by the will of the people and no barrier is strong enough to stop the voice of those who have chosen their leaders from amongst a multitude of options.
“We are here because you have spoken eloquently and decisively. You have pointed to the future you desire for this great state, and you have chosen the captains of this journey; men who ran on the platform of our great party, the All-Progressives Congress. Winning an election is the first obstacle a diligent leader must overcome in order to deliver on the promise made to the people.
“The election is over, and any atmosphere that nourishes and has fascism mentality must be dismantled instantly. While some may seek to disrupt peace after the will of the people has been expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to all, including those who may have voted differently or those who ran against them. All must have a place in the course of governance”.
Asserting that Okpebholo and Idahosa’s election “is not a victory of one man but the achievement of the entire state”, the vice president stressed that a powerful endorsement of the people’s collective will is what democracy means, adding that “Every vote carries equal weight; every vote contributing to a choice made freely”.
Shettima opined that “Over 25 years into our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is yet another testimony that no individual’s vote is worth more than another. It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy or problems he inherits. However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges but the sincerity and courage to confront them.
“It is not fair that we share the future of Edo State, but our commitment to the common good of the people, both supporters and opponents. Though, it may seem daunting to take the risk of power at such a time, I assure you, this is the best moment to serve one’s people. For in these uncertain times, the people’s demand for a true leadership is stronger than ever before”.
The vice president noted that Edo people have placed their trust on the duo of Okpebholo and Idahosa, “leaders who have demonstrated character and resolve, and who have earned this honour through their tireless dedication to the cause of Edo State.
“Today, is without a doubt, the dawn of a new era for Edo State and I promise that this is not a gathering for empty promises. Senator Okpebholo has committed himself to building the Edo State you envisioned; a place where jobs are plentiful, where education is accessible, and one where infrastructure is modern, and where healthcare is within the reach of every citizen. He understands the dreams of the people and has the vision to bring those dreams to light”.
Present at the epochal event were: Chairman of Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, governor of Imo State and chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma; governor of Ogun State and chairman, Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun; governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu; governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, members of the National Assembly led by the majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, as well as former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, and the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, with members of the national working committee, (NWC) among others.