By John Umeh
The Presidency has confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the administration’s stance on the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State. The disclosure, made by senior aides within the Presidency, aims to dispel speculations of division within the top ranks of government and reinforce the notion of a united front in addressing one of Nigeria’s most volatile political stand-offs.
The political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen tensions escalate between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been a source of national concern. As Tinubu continues to position himself as a stabilizing figure in the fracas, some observers had wondered where Vice President Shettima stood on the matter.
A senior presidential spokesperson put the rumors to rest on Friday, stating:
“The Vice President is fully in support of the President’s interventions in Rivers State. There is no disagreement between them. Both leaders are committed to peace, constitutional order, and ensuring governance is not derailed in any state of the federation.”
A Crisis That’s Shaken the Nation
The Rivers State crisis has drawn significant attention due to its potential implications for political stability and democratic governance. The feud between Governor Fubara and Wike has led to factional divisions in the state House of Assembly, legislative standstills, and legal disputes over the control of state machinery. Despite reconciliation efforts spearheaded by the Presidency late last year, tensions continue to simmer, prompting renewed attention from Aso Rock.
President Tinubu has taken a cautious but firm approach, engaging both sides in closed-door meetings, emphasizing the importance of peace, and urging political actors to prioritize the interests of Rivers people. His interventions have been met with mixed reactions, with critics warning against perceived interference and allies praising his statesmanship.
Unity in the Presidency
With Vice President Shettima’s support now confirmed, the Tinubu administration appears keen to signal internal coherence and a shared strategic direction. Sources say Shettima has been part of high-level deliberations and shares the President’s view that national stability must not be undermined by regional political conflicts.
“Shettima has always been a man of discipline and respect for constitutional boundaries,” a source close to the Presidency noted. “His support is not blind loyalty; it is anchored in a shared belief in the rule of law and democratic order.”
This confirmation may also serve to reassure Tinubu’s supporters that the Presidency is not divided on key political issues. It comes amid growing public interest in how the federal government navigates the evolving drama in Rivers, which could set a precedent for future executive interventions in state matters.
Political Implications Ahead
Analysts believe Shettima’s public alignment with Tinubu is politically significant, not just in terms of the immediate Rivers crisis but for the broader message it sends about unity in Nigeria’s executive leadership. At a time when opposition parties and critics are quick to pounce on any perceived cracks within the administration, the Presidency’s clarification is likely aimed at consolidating trust and projecting stability.
As the Rivers conflict continues to unfold, it is clear that Aso Rock remains deeply engaged. And with both Tinubu and Shettima speaking in one voice, the federal government’s posture is unmistakable: there will be no tolerance for political chaos, and governance must not be held hostage by personal rivalries or party power struggles.
The Presidency, through this latest reaffirmation, has drawn a clear line—Rivers State will not be abandoned to the whims of political discord, and the nation’s highest offices stand united in ensuring peace and order prevail.
