Dare Babalola
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that some individuals allegedly warned President Bola Tinubu against wearing traditional outfits he gifted him during the 2023 election campaign, claiming the clothes had been spiritually manipulated to harm him.
Shettima made the revelation on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” the autobiography of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.
The vice-president said the allegation surfaced barely three months after the administration assumed office, when some persons from Borno State reportedly approached Tinubu and advised him to stop wearing the outfits.
According to Shettima, the individuals claimed the garments were charmed and part of a plot to endanger the president’s life and pave the way for him to take over power.
He, however, said Tinubu dismissed the claims, arguing that the accusation lacked logic since the clothes were presented long before both men emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress.
Shettima added that the president continued wearing the outfits publicly for several days to demonstrate that he did not believe in superstition or fetish narratives.
The vice-president described the incident as reflective of the growing distrust and suspicion within the country’s political environment.
Drawing comparisons with the past, Shettima recalled that during Gowon’s era, the family of the Sultan of Sokoto regularly sent meals to the former military leader without any fear or suspicion.
He lamented what he called the gradual erosion of trust among Nigerians and warned that persistent division and suspicion could threaten national unity.
Shettima urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, mutual trust and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a source of conflict.
He also paid tribute to Gowon, praising his contributions to national reconciliation after the civil war and his role in establishing institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps and the Economic Community of West African States.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats and members of the military community.
