VP Shettima Counters Obi’s Criticism Over N15.5 Billion Residence Budget

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has fired back at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, for his criticism of the proposed N15.5 billion budget allocated for the construction of a new official residence for VP Shettima. Shettima, in a statement released by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, accused Obi of engaging in “armchair criticism” and attempting to gain attention through false claims about wasteful spending.

Obi’s Allegations and VP Shettima‘s Swift Response

Peter Obi took to Twitter to express his shock and disappointment at the proposed budget for the Vice President’s residence, calling it “shocking and disheartening.” In response, VP Shettima‘s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, accused Obi of resorting to falsehood and warped opinions to discredit the current administration.

The statement emphasized that Obi’s critique was an attempt to divert attention from his significant loss in the recent presidential poll, characterizing it as a desperate move to remain relevant in the political discourse.

Unveiling the Project’s Background: The Project’s Abandonment

In a bid to provide context and counter Obi’s allegations, Shettima’s statement shed light on the history of the residence project. The release clarified that the initiative was initially launched in 2010 and funded by the Jonathan administration but had been abandoned. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, concerned about the waste of public funds on the dormant project, decided to revive it without any influence from VP Shettima.

The statement explained that the project, initiated over a decade ago, had been left incomplete, overrun by weeds and reptiles. Without any prompting from the Vice President, Minister Nyesom Wike decided to breathe new life into the project, deeming it a waste to allow public funds invested in it to go unused. Shettima’s release sought to clarify that the decision to resurrect the project was a responsible and pragmatic one, dismissing Obi’s characterization of it as wasteful.

Post-Election Trauma: VP Urges Opposition to Accept Defeat Honorably

Taking a more assertive tone, Shettima’s statement urged Peter Obi and others in the opposition, still reeling from post-election trauma, to accept defeat gracefully. It emphasized that the Labour Party candidate and his associates were determined to undermine the Tinubu administration at any cost. The release advised them to prioritize the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians over personal ambitions, portraying VP Shettima as a dedicated leader committed to the nation’s well-being.

Highlighting the opposition’s refusal to acknowledge defeat, the statement suggested that Peter Obi and his allies were intent on destabilizing the Tinubu administration rather than contributing constructively to nation-building. Shettima urged them to put aside personal grievances, accept defeat with honor, and work collaboratively with the current administration for the benefit of Nigeria. The release emphasized the importance of national unity and the need to avoid divisive tactics.

Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila Also, Debunks Online Claims Attaking Him

Several key figures from the ruling party in Nigeria are pushing back against what they label as “mischievous lies,” with Vice President Shettima being just one of the responders. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has also taken to his X.com account to address the swirling controversy surrounding the 2024 Appropriation Bill, specifically addressing provisions related to the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Gbajabiamila clarified that the reports circulating on social media regarding funds allocated for the renovation of the Chief of Staff’s residence are erroneous. He categorically stated that there is no provision in the 2024 Appropriation Bill for such renovations, emphasizing that he resides in his private residence. Gbajabiamila went on to debunk the figures circulating online, attributing them to online bloggers and fake news merchants.

He clarified that the mentioned sums are designated for the renovation of the Presidential Quarters in Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s Lodge in Lagos, as well as for upgrading information management and communication facilities in the Presidency and providing vehicles for the staff. Gbajabiamila concluded by welcoming scrutiny of government expenditure but emphasized the need for responsible public discourse based on facts rather than insinuations and falsehoods.

VP Shettima Dismisses Obi’s Critique as Red Herrings, & Claims as Deceptive

Addressing Obi’s specific criticisms, the statement labeled them as “red herrings” designed to mislead the public. VP Shettima‘s release called on Nigerians not to be deceived by statements that contradicted common sense. It urged Obi to join hands with the administration in nation-building rather than engaging in misleading tactics that could harm the nation’s reputation.

The release underscored VP Shettima‘s commitment to serious governance, contrasting it with what it described as Obi’s penchant for dubious politics and mind games. It emphasized that the Vice President, occupied with his responsibilities, was not involved in frivolous statistical manipulations or political theatrics. Shettima’s leadership style was portrayed as focused on genuine service to Nigeria, and the statement concluded by advising Obi to abandon his misleading tactics and contribute positively to the nation’s progress.