Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has recently made headlines by publicly criticizing Vice President Kashim Shettima. Igboho is urging President Bola Tinubu to step in and caution Shettima over his recent remarks directed at UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch. This situation is escalating, prompting serious questions about focus, responsibility and freedom of speech. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:
- Igboho’s Plea: Calls on President Tinubu to rein in VP Shettima.
- Shettima’s Criticism: Attacked Kemi Badenoch for speaking about Nigeria’s corruption and affirming her Yoruba heritage.
- Igboho’s Past: Recalls his own persecution under Buhari’s administration for speaking out.
- Call to Action: Urges Shettima to focus on solving Nigeria’s problems, not engaging in verbal disputes.
The Core Issue: A War of Words
The dispute began when Vice President Shettima criticized Kemi Badenoch for distancing herself from Nigeria. Badenoch had also spoken frankly about the high levels of corruption in the country, while also acknowledging her Yoruba background. This didn’t sit well with Shettima, leading to a public back-and-forth that has now drawn the attention of Sunday Igboho.
Igboho’s Strong Rebuke
Igboho didn’t hold back in his response. He released a statement appealing directly to President Tinubu, urging him to instruct Shettima to focus on his responsibilities as Vice President. Igboho argues that Shettima is wasting valuable time and energy on unproductive verbal skirmishes with Badenoch, instead of addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. He pointed out that Badenoch was simply expressing her honest opinion, which is her right.
A Look Back: Echoes of the Past
Igboho took a moment to reflect on his own experiences during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He recounted how anyone who dared to criticize the Fulani ethnic group faced severe consequences. He then shared his personal experience of persecution, stating, “Under Buhari’s administration, I faced persecution for advocating against the destruction of farmlands, the killing of farmers, and the rampant sexual violations of women by Fulani herdsmen.” He added, “On July 1, 2021, security agents, acting on Buhari’s orders, raided my residence, killing two individuals and arresting 13 others.”
The Real Issues at Stake
Igboho is very clear on what he wants Shettima to do instead: solve the problems of the nation. He emphasizes that the Vice President should be working on solutions to alleviate the suffering of the masses. He also stated, “When did it become a crime for someone to express their opinion about how corruption has stalled Nigeria’s growth or to assert their Yoruba identity? The Vice President should focus on his duties and stop wasting time on unnecessary verbal assaults against Kemi Badenoch”.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is about more than just a simple disagreement. It highlights the importance of freedom of speech and the need for leaders to focus on the core issues. The people of Nigeria are facing numerous challenges, and the focus should be on finding real solutions, not getting caught up in verbal battles. It also brings the past back into the present and reminds the public of the sensitivity surrounding ethnic and political issues in Nigeria. In a country that has seen it’s fair share of conflict, many are calling for more productive, less combative, actions from their leaders.
What’s Next?
It remains to be seen how President Tinubu will respond to Igboho’s appeal. The public will be watching to see if the focus shifts from public spats to more critical governance.
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