By Comrade Zakari Gambo Babale
In the anatomy of leadership, there are those whose contributions form the visible features—the face of public action, the hands of decision-making. Still, there are others whose presence, like the sclera of the human eye, provides silent yet crucial support. The sclera, often overlooked, is the tough, white part of the eye that gives it shape and protects its inner workings. In Nigeria’s current administration, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, plays a similar role—solid, dependable, and unyielding in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Since the inauguration of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in May 2023, Vice President Shettima has stood firmly behind the President, often bearing the political heat and taking the brunt of both metaphorical and rhetorical criticism for the administration. From economic reforms to security restructuring and diplomatic recalibrations, Shettima has never flinched in his loyalty. Whether in silence or full voice, his actions have repeatedly demonstrated an unshakable allegiance to his principal.
His loyalty is not just political, it is deeply personal. Proudly, and with unmistakable conviction, Vice President Shettima has declared, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader to trust and rely on.” These words, said with his chest out and heart open, capture a bond that transcends office; it is a relationship forged in mutual respect, political struggle, and shared vision for Nigeria’s future.
According to Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, one of the most respected political voices in Nigeria, “Shettima’s loyalty to his principal is untouchable.” This sentiment is echoed by many within and outside the corridors of power. Shettima has shown time and again that he does not entertain anything short of praise for his boss. In rooms where criticism has echoed, he has stood as a shield, ensuring that President Tinubu’s image remains protected and upheld.
Shettima’s record as a former governor of Borno State, a senator, and now Vice President reveals a man built for turbulence. Insecurity in the Northeast did not break him; economic hardship in his home state did not bend him. His resolve has only sharpened with responsibility. It is this same grit he now brings into the Tinubu administration, a resolve to stay the course, no matter how fierce the political storm.
Even as the Tinubu government pushes through tough but necessary reforms, Shettima has been the steady voice, explaining policies, calming nerves, and often absorbing public frustration. He has become the administration’s sclera—the unseen force that guards the vision of renewed hope, offering strength and structure while others may blink under pressure.
The role of Vice President is often understated, but in Shettima’s case, it is indispensable. His loyalty, intellect, and political experience make him a vital component of the Tinubu machinery. He is not just a deputy; he is a guardian of vision, a shield against opposition, and a voice of reason within the fire.
Indeed, Nigeria may have many political actors, but few exhibit the combination of loyalty, resilience, and intellect that Kashim Shettima brings to the table. His presence in the Tinubu administration is not just strategic—it is symbolic. It tells the story of a man willing to take bullets, shoulder blame, and sing praises, all in unwavering support of the leader he calls his master and mentor.
Written by Comrade Zakari Gambo Babale, Convener, Conference For Patriotic Citizens
