Nigeria’s vice president Kashim Shettima on Friday apologised to Nigerian Muslims over his comments on the leadership contest in the National Assembly (NASS).
Recall that, Shettima, in the build-up to Tuesday’s election of the leadership of the 10th Assembly, said “the most incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim for the Presidency of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The comments did not sit down well with a cross section of Muslims, and also stirred up controversy and outrage, especially on the social media.
Responding to the reactions, Shettima, in an interview on the BBC Hausa, said he made the comments in the best interest of Nigeria, being privy to some intelligence, which he could not disclose to the public.
According to him, while he was quoted out of context, he maintained that he had no ill will against Islam.
“I am a human who is bound to make mistakes, I therefore seek your forgiveness and God’s,” Shettima stated.
He added that the trajectory of Nigerian politics made it pertinent for people in leadership positions to come out and warn against divisions and disunity in this country.
Shettima assured that he is a true Muslim whose ancestors have been in Islam for long, adding that he has no intent to defame any religion.
