Shettima recalls Jonathan’s gambit to oust him as Borno Governor, credits Adoke and Tambuwal for standing by law and shielding democracy in Nigeria
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has offered a rare insight into the political turbulence of his tenure as Borno State Governor, revealing how former President Goodluck Jonathan allegedly tried to remove him from office.
Also read: You Won’t Regret Joining APC, Shettima Tells Eno
In a striking reflection, Shettima recalls Jonathan’s gambit to oust him through emergency powers, but praised legal and legislative intervention that protected democracy.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the public presentation of a new book authored by former Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), Shettima detailed how the plan was thwarted by the constitutional advice of Adoke and the firm stand of then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.
The book, OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigeria Oil Block, provided the platform for the Vice-President’s revelations.
According to Shettima, he was intensely vilified during Jonathan’s presidency and considered “public enemy number one.”
He recounted a critical meeting at the highest level of government.
“There are two gentlemen seated here. Certain decisions are taken in a very rare circle—President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Shettima said.
“In one of such conclaves, former President Goodluck Jonathan, with whom we have now recalibrated our relationship, was muting the idea of removing this Borno governor.”
Tambuwal, however, intervened. “He had the courage to tell the President, ‘Your Excellency, you don’t have the powers to remove an elected councillor’,” Shettima recounted.
Still unconvinced, President Jonathan reportedly took the matter to the Federal Executive Council, where Adoke stepped in.
“He told the President: ‘Mr President, you do not have the powers to remove a sitting governor, not even a councillor.’”
To further validate the legal position, Jonathan sought a second opinion from another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Turaki, who affirmed Adoke’s view.
“That was how the matter was laid to rest,” Shettima stated, adding that the incident forged an unbreakable bond between him, Adoke, and Tambuwal.
In his remarks, Shettima commended Adoke’s character and commitment.
“He exhibited courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to principle,” he said, noting also Adoke’s ability to forgive those who wronged him during his public service.
The Vice-President used the occasion to celebrate constitutionalism, describing the episode as a defining moment in his political career.
The anecdote, revealed as Shettima recalls Jonathan’s gambit, adds a new layer to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Also read: APC Chieftain Clarifies Tinubu Endorsement, Dismisses Shettima Rift Rumors After Gombe Incident
The event brought together prominent legal minds and political figures, underscoring the relevance of Adoke’s new book to the ongoing national conversation on accountability, justice, and the rule of law.
