Shettima @59: A tribute – By Ismail Omipidan

Vice President Kashim Shettima is 59 today. He belongs to the zodiac sign Virgo, the only sign represented by a female and often associated with humaneness. Shettima embodies many of its traditional traits. Virgos are described as modest and reserved, meticulous and reliable, practical and diligent, intelligent and analytical. Knowing him well enough, I can say with certainty that Shettima reflects these qualities in abundance.

He stands out as one of the few truly brilliant, intelligent, witty, and friendly leaders from the North. Shettima is very cosmopolitan and understands the concept of absolute loyalty. He continues to distinguish himself in leadership and public service.

In the corridors of power, it is not uncommon to see some people in authority wield influence carelessly. They not only do anything they like but also use all available tools to settle perceived scores, all in the name of politics. And in doing so, they often forget past favours and long-standing loyalties. Vice President Kashim Shettima is an exception.

Having known him long before he ventured into politics, I can attest that he understands both the dynamics of power and the essence of unwavering loyalty. Shettima gives his all to any cause he believes in, 100 percent commitment, with sincerity and unwavering dedication.

The story of how the All Progressives Congress (APC) was birthed and the pivotal role played by Kashim Shettima, driven by his unwavering loyalty to Asiwaju Tinubu, is well known to some of us. Equally well documented, both by Nigerian journalists and political historians, is how Shettima stood out and boldly identified with Tinubu at a time when most northern APC politicians considered it politically risky, if not outright sacrilegious, to publicly support his presidential aspiration. He chose conviction over convenience, and history will remember him for that.

As a friend and confidant, I can attest that his unapologetic loyalty to Tinubu dates back to well before 2015. He often shared with me valuable insights about some of the groundwork they carried out with Tinubu, both locally and internationally, in the build-up to unseating a PDP government in 2015.

It was the vice president who first told me about the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket game plan in January, 2019, seven clear months before my sojourn in Osun began. At the time, he never imagined himself as part of that ticket. What he did emphasise, however, was his total commitment to doing anything and everything necessary to ensure the success of Tinubu’s presidential project. That very day, he even requested that I join him in prayer for its success.

When Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu eventually emerged as the presidential candidate of the APC, and reports began to filter in that Shettima might be considered as his running mate, some of us saw it as God’s way of rewarding a man who had worked for a cause with sincerity of purpose, without the intention to benefit from the project.

As expected, those who believe they hold the power of life and death in politics tried to throw a spanner in the works. They waged an intense political war against him, but God came to his rescue. Shettima is a firm believer in the power of the unseen, and he has held fast to that conviction over the years. Allah has never failed him, and will never fail him because despite all that God has done for him, and through him in the lives of others, he has remained humble.

Yaya na, as I fondly call you, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to guide your steps and bless you with the knowledge and wisdom to navigate our country’s murky political waters.

As you celebrate your birthday today, I ask Allah’s protection for you from all forms of harm, both seen and unseen. May He shield you and your loved ones from the whispers of Shaytan, from the trials of insecurity, and from the snares of wrongdoing.

I pray Allah wraps you in His divine safety, strengthen your hearts with unwavering faith, and guide your steps away from danger and deceit.

I pray Allah, the Guardian of the oppressed and Defender of the weak, grant you refuge in His mercy, make your home a sanctuary of peace.

Let no evil approach you, no harm touch you, and no injustice prevail against you. I pray Allah sends His angels to watch over you, and grant you wisdom to navigate the world with courage and clarity. Aameen, ya Rabb-al-‘Alameen.

Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.