ABUJA, Nigeria — Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima has provided a sobering outlook for the incoming administration, led by President-elect Bola Tinubu, cautioning that the initial phase of their tenure may face significant hurdles.
The pair is slated to take office on Monday, May 22, 2023, closing out President Muhammadu Buhari’s two four-year terms.
In a candid speech at the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Public Lecture in Abuja on Friday, May 26, 2023, Shettima stated that, despite these challenges, Tinubu is prepared to hit the ground running.
“The starting point might not be rosy, let me be very honest with you,” Shettima stated. He highlighted key issues such as the oil subsidy and the nation’s multiple exchange rates system, describing them as potential drains on the economy and obstacles to progress.
Despite this initial realism, Shettima expressed optimism for the future of Tinubu’s administration.
“There are certain decisions that the new administration will take, but in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come not only to appreciate but also to celebrate us.”
The incoming administration will need to act swiftly, according to Shettima, given the “humongous” challenges facing the country.
However, he expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “But rest assured that in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come to pay glowing tributes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
In his speech, Shettima also acknowledged the transient nature of political power and refuted the idea that leadership comes from intellectual prowess or physical strength.
He stressed the importance of service and humility in their positions, saying, “Power, to us, will be a humbling experience. It’s an opportunity to serve God and humanity.”
The Vice President-elect concluded by painting a portrait of Tinubu as a fair-minded leader who will “do justice” to all Nigerians, regardless of their political, religious, or ethnic backgrounds, before making a call for unity, “We’re all united by our common heritage of poverty, destitution and insecurity. This is the time for all of us to coalesce into a single force.”
As Nigerians prepare for a new administration, the words of their Vice President-elect serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead while offering hope in their ability to navigate a difficult journey towards progress.
