Shettima Credits Former Attorney General with Protecting Gubernatorial Position
Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly praised former Attorney General Mohammed Adoke for allegedly preventing his removal as Borno State governor during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency. Shettima made these revelations during a recent public address, highlighting the constitutional protections that safeguard elected governors.
The Vice President claimed that former President Jonathan attempted to remove him from office while he served as Borno governor. However, Adoke reportedly intervened by providing legal counsel that blocked the removal attempt. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution provides no legal framework for presidents to dismiss elected state governors.
“There is no constitutional basis for a president to remove an elected governor in Nigeria,” Shettima stated, underscoring the separation of powers between federal and state governments. This constitutional principle protects governors from arbitrary federal interference once they assume office through democratic elections.
The revelation sheds light on previously unknown political tensions between the federal government and Borno State during Jonathan’s administration. Shettima served as Borno governor from 2011 to 2019, a period marked by significant security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast region.
Adoke served as Attorney General from 2010 to 2015 under Jonathan’s administration. His alleged intervention demonstrates the importance of legal expertise in protecting democratic institutions and constitutional governance in Nigeria’s federal system.
