Victor EzejaPresident Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the All Progressives Congress vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima for his interest and consistent participation in party activities over the years.
Buhari gave the commendation on Wednesday at the State House while the VP candidate and presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after Shettima was unveiled by the leadership of the Party.
According They to a statement by the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed his happiness with the choice of the former Governor of Borno State as running mate.
He said, “I wish you the best. Your consistency in the party is very respectful. You served your two terms as Governor and finished well. You have kept touch with your base. At every important occasion or event, you are maintaining support for the one who succeeded you. This is commendable.
Responding to Shettima’s speech during the unveiling ceremony, Buhari said “I will respond to your speech when I am handing over to you and your boss. God willing, you are going to win.”
He expressed strong optimism that the APC ticket will emerge victorious in 2023.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the President for his “empathy, support and positive role,” leading to his emergence as Running Mate to the APC Presidential Candidate.
He praised Buhari for having a special place in his heart for Borno State and Northeast, adding, “I can cite 20-30 instances of support you have rendered, for which you will be remembered.”
He mentioned the establishment of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and the Independent Power Plant for Maiduguri by the NNPC, “after many years of darkness,” saying that “words cannot describe our appreciation of your support. We will remain eternally grateful.”
Shettima requested the President to appreciate his successor, Babagana Zulum who was in his company, along with the Minister of State, Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, for spurning “recurring mention” of him and pressure from his Governor colleagues to bid for the Vice Presidential ticket.
He pledged to remain “loyal and devoted” to the President, promising that his Vice-Presidency will not be for the “troika of Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri,” but for all Nigeria, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or geographical place of origin.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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