Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Tinubu once dismissed claims from some individuals alleging that traditional attire given to him was used for spiritual manipulation.
Shettima made the revelation on Tuesday during the public presentation of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography in Abuja, where he represented the President.
According to Shettima, the incident occurred months after Tinubu’s inauguration in 2023 when some individuals from Borno State reportedly visited the President and warned him against wearing traditional attire gifted by Shettima during the election campaign.
He said the group alleged that the clothing had been used to “charm” the President and could endanger his life.
However, Tinubu reportedly rejected the claim outright, describing it as unfounded and illogical.
Shettima said the President went further to demonstrate his disbelief by wearing the outfits for an entire week.
“Their story did not add up… For one week, to prove to them that he is not fetish, he wore those dresses,” Shettima recounted.
He used the anecdote to highlight what he described as growing levels of suspicion in Nigerian politics and society.
Shettima also referenced historical accounts involving former Head of State Gowon, including stories of trust and mutual exchange during his time in power, contrasting them with what he described as rising distrust in contemporary political relations.
He said such suspicion threatens national unity and weakens interpersonal and political relationships across the country.
The Vice President urged Nigerians to embrace unity and mutual trust, citing the need to overcome divisions driven by fear, misinformation, and political distrust.
The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Sultan of Sokoto, among others.
Shettima concluded by quoting Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the importance of national unity.
“Let us learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,” he said.
