Abuja, Nigeria – Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the President of Nigeria lacks the constitutional authority to remove a sitting state governor, a statement delivered during a book launch in Abuja. Reflecting on his time as Borno State governor, Shettima shared how former President Goodluck Jonathan’s attempt to remove him was halted by then-Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke and Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, who confirmed that the President has no such power, not even over a local councillor.
Shettima’s comments are widely regarded as a veiled criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged involvement in the removal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was ousted from office for six months amid a political crisis. The episode, driven by tensions within the state and perceived federal interference, sparked widespread debate about the extent of presidential influence over state governance.
Under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, the removal of a governor requires a notice signed by at least one-third of the state House of Assembly, with no provision for presidential intervention. Shettima’s remarks highlight these constitutional safeguards, emphasising the autonomy of state governments.
Analysts view the Vice President’s statement as a pointed critique of the current political climate, where federal-state power dynamics remain contentious. The six-month removal of Fubara has intensified scrutiny of federal overreach, with Shettima’s comments underscoring the importance of adhering to constitutional limits to ensure democratic stability.
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