HEADLINENEWS.NEWS OPINION REPORT
Friday, 12th July 2025
Words Twisted, Unity Threatened: Why the Misrepresentation of VP Shettima’s Remarks Is Both Unethical and Dangerous
> “Half a truth is often a great lie.”
— Benjamin Franklin
By Princess G. Adebajo-Fraser MFR.
The National Patriots.
Editorial Analysis Desk
The misrepresentation of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks at the recent book launch of former Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) is not just a journalistic blunder—it is a deeply concerning act of political mischief with grave implications for national cohesion, party unity, and the ethics of public discourse.
The Office of the Vice President, in a carefully worded and constitutionally grounded statement released by Senior Special Assistant Stanley Nkwocha, rightly condemned the “gross misrepresentation” of Shettima’s speech by certain media houses, which sought to falsely suggest a veiled criticism of President Tinubu’s recent constitutional action in Rivers State.
Let us be clear: Vice President Shettima did not question, undermine, or cast doubt on the President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara or declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Those who took a single thread from a larger tapestry of historical analysis and twisted it into political sabotage must be called out for what they are—purveyors of deceit, division, and destabilisation.
CONTEXT MATTERS: A Lesson in Constitutional Retrospection
The event in question was the launch of OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Oil Block, an insider’s account of one of Nigeria’s most contentious oil-related legal sagas. In this context, the Vice President shared recollections of the Jonathan-era governance dynamics, especially how the then-federal government allegedly contemplated removing him—then Governor of Borno State—during the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency.
This reference was neither new nor secret; it is a matter of public record and was mentioned in the context of highlighting how Nigeria’s constitutional democracy has matured, how public officials—like the book’s author, Adoke—played key roles in preserving legal order during national crises.
A Cynical Plot to Sow Discord
But instead of reporting these insights in context, certain media platforms selectively extracted lines, stripped them of context, and pushed a sensational, divisive narrative: that Shettima was drawing a parallel to President Tinubu’s recent decision in Rivers State.
This is not only factually false—as the State House has clarified—but ethically indefensible.
Such acts amount to a deliberate attempt to pit the Vice President against the President, to undermine APC unity, and to falsely signal cracks within the highest echelons of government. The broader aim is transparent: to arm the opposition with fodder for disruption, as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections.
> “Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it.”
— Jonathan Swift
Comparative Insight: What Happens Elsewhere
In other democracies, media distortion of this magnitude does not go unchallenged:
- United Kingdom: Ofcom—the UK’s media regulator—has the authority to fine or even revoke licenses from media houses that peddle misleading political content, especially during election-sensitive periods.
- United States: While freedom of the press is sacrosanct, media outlets can be sued for defamation, malice, and intentional misrepresentation, particularly when statements cause harm to public officials’ reputations or incite public disorder.
- India: The Press Council can issue public censures, and in election seasons, the Election Commission monitors media closely for misleading political coverage.
In Nigeria, such regulation exists through the Nigerian Press Council and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), but implementation has been weak. As 2027 approaches, the government must act decisively to enforce existing rules and establish clear deterrents against such irresponsible reportage.
Presidential Action in Rivers: A Constitutional Necessity, Not a Parallel to Borno
It is important to restate the difference between the Jonathan-era crisis in Borno and the Tinubu-era intervention in Rivers:
- In Borno, non-state actors (Boko Haram) were launching open war against the state.
- In Rivers, elected political actors had effectively collapsed the legislative arm of government, leading to violence, destruction of state institutions, and paralysis of governance.
President Tinubu’s action was guided by Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution and ratified by the National Assembly, as the press statement pointed out. The decision to suspend, not remove, the Governor was calculated and constitutional.
There is no equivalence between the two scenarios, and the Vice President did not suggest one.
A Call for Responsible Media and Political Decency
The Vice President remains a staunch supporter and partner in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He is one of President Tinubu’s most trusted allies, known for his loyalty and ideological alignment since their time in the APC merger talks.
> “Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.”
— Woodrow Wilson
To suggest otherwise is to engage in dangerous conjecture, especially when the full video of the event shows a speech devoid of any cynicism or subtext against the President.
Conclusion: A Message to Mischief-Makers
Let this be a clear message to mischief-makers: desist.
Weaponising words, twisting context, and sowing division for political gain are not acts of patriotism—they are acts of sabotage. As Nigeria continues its march toward economic stability and political maturity under the Tinubu-Shettima administration, the opposition must resist the temptation to burn down the house to win the next election.
The government must also act—media regulators must sanction offenders, and internal party structures must counter falsehoods with factual narratives.
Unity within the presidency is strong, and no amount of fake headlines will break the bond between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. Let us build this nation with facts, not fiction.
Quote to Reflect:
> “When leaders are united, the nation cannot be shaken. But when lies infiltrate truth, chaos soon follows.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
Governance & Perception Management Consultant
The National Patriots.
HeadlineNews.News Special Report.
COMMENTARY.
“When Truth Is Twisted, Unity Is Threatened”
Excerpt:
The misrepresentation of Vice President Shettima’s remarks was not just journalistic malpractice—it was a deliberate act of political sabotage aimed at creating fissures within the presidency.
Comment:
When words are weaponised for partisan gain, the fabric of national unity begins to fray. Those behind this distortion must be called out and held accountable.
Quote:
> “The media is the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and the guilty innocent.”
— Malcolm X
“Between Truth and Treachery: The Shettima Speech That Wasn’t”
Excerpt:
The Vice President’s reference to the Jonathan era was a historical anecdote, not a political statement. To convert it into a veiled criticism of President Tinubu is both unethical and intellectually dishonest.
Comment:
This is not journalism—it is fiction masquerading as fact, with dangerous consequences for national stability.
Quote:
> “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“No Cracks in the Rock: Tinubu & Shettima Stand United”
Excerpt:
Despite efforts to sow discord, the Tinubu-Shettima alliance remains steadfast, bound by shared vision and loyalty, not divided by false narratives.
Comment:
The presidency remains rock-solid. It is the fabricators, not the Federation, that are cracking under the weight of their lies.
Quote:
> “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
— Mattie Stepanek
(American poet and peace advocate)
“The Danger of Dishonest Headlines: Media Must Do Better”
Excerpt:
This episode is a wake-up call for the Nigerian media. Freedom of the press is sacred—but so is truth. Misreporting political speeches is a betrayal of both.
Comment:
With great influence comes great responsibility. Those abusing press freedom for political gain are enemies of democracy.
Quote:
> “A free press can be good or bad, but most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.”
— Albert Camus
“False Equivalence, True Consequences: Rivers Is Not Borno”
Excerpt:
The Tinubu administration’s action in Rivers State is grounded in constitutional authority and bipartisan approval. It bears no resemblance to the insurgency-era decisions of the Jonathan administration.
Comment:
Deliberately equating two vastly different contexts only serves one purpose: to mislead the public and inflame tensions.
Quote:
> “If we are to preserve freedom of speech, we must also preserve the freedom to be responsible with it.”
— John F. Kennedy
“Do Not Twist the Tongue of the Loyal”
Excerpt:
Vice President Shettima’s loyalty to President Tinubu is unquestionable. Attempting to twist his reflections into political betrayal is a gross act of misinformation.
Comment:
Shettima’s speech honoured constitutional growth, not condemned current governance. Such mischief is unpatriotic and must be challenged.
Quote:
> “Loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I’ll like it or not.”
— General Colin Powell.
“Loyalty Without Ambiguity: Shettima’s Words, Tinubu’s Mission”
Excerpt:
Vice President Shettima’s remarks were a tribute to constitutional resilience, not an attack on presidential decisions. Any attempt to recast them otherwise is a betrayal of both context and conscience.
Comment:
The Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains anchored in mutual respect and national purpose. Mischief-makers will fail because unity rooted in loyalty is unbreakable.
Quote:
> “We have come too far as a people to let mischief-makers divide us. I trust those around me because they have proven their dedication not in words, but in action.”
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“Distortion Is Not Dissent: When Media Becomes the Story”
Excerpt:
The deliberate twisting of Shettima’s words highlights a deeper problem: political actors exploiting the media to push false narratives. This isn’t freedom of the press—it’s the corruption of truth.
Comment:
Those using the media to inflame tensions must be held to account. As Nigeria enters a critical reform era, accountability must also apply to headlines.
Quote:
> “Freedom of speech is not a license to destroy nations. It is a responsibility to help them grow.”
— President Paul Kagame
“Misinterpretation Is Misconduct: Respect the Weight of Public Speech”
Excerpt:
To misrepresent the Vice President’s speech at a scholarly book launch is to trivialize intellectual discourse and weaponize history for petty political gain.
Comment:
This is not just a failure of journalism—it is an abuse of public trust. The government must act swiftly to prevent such recklessness from destabilizing public confidence.
Quote:
> “In governance, perception is power. But perception must be based on truth, not propaganda. Every public statement is sacred—twisting it is both unethical and dangerous.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
(Governance & Perception Management Consultant)
The National Patriots.
HeadlineNews.News Special Report.
NIGERIANS REACT
“Twisting Truth into Treason: The Unholy Spin on Shettima’s Remarks”
This is most unfortunate. I attended the event on Thursday at the Yaradua centre, and I am shocked that the media could twist the Vice President’s speech out of context in this manner. Nigerian media needs regulation urgently. The regulators are not enforcing compliance or exposing scapegoats. This must be done immediately before they commit something that might cause irreversible damage. I know the opposition or coalition is behind this manipulation of the truth. It is obvious, and those media houses that allowed themselves to be used due to a lack of integrity and professionalism must be disciplined. They sold their consciences shamelessly for money. I appreciate the National Patriots, Princess Gloria, Headlinenews.news so much for this great opinion piece to correct the misleading impression and perception generated. I appreciate this so much. We need to encourage Headlinenews.news and have more media houses who disseminate true contents professionally. I am really impressed with Headlinenews.news. I shall send some contribution to them for upholding the truth in all their reportage.
Elder Statesman.
“No Rift, No Regret: Shettima’s Loyalty to Tinubu Remains Unshaken”
Of course. Does Shettima want to commit political suicide? He is not that stupid. He accepted the invitation innocently, not knowing a trap was laid for him. It seems they are determined to force a Crack in the unity of the ruling party, but they will surely fail, because the APC leadership, led by the veteran political guru of Ashiwaju, is always 7 steps ahead of all members of the opposition gathered together. Prof Tinubu is a political maverick with unequal strategy and sagacity. He has seen through their game & advised the VP to go and visit Buhari in London to get away from the political scavengers who are spoilers, losers, failures, and unpatriotic elements. Tinubu is smarter than these so-called coalition. Watch to see how he plays the Maradona style to neutralize them in one minute. I pity them. I watched the full video, and the VP did not say anything confrontational against the President. They must get those media publishing this Falsehood and their cohorts.
Former Attorney General.
“Mischief in the Media: How False Narratives Threaten Nigeria’s Unity”
Correct. The opposition is using the media because it’s not regulated. Action must be taken this time. The other day, Prof Udenta Udenta spoke on National TV, Channels claiming the Presidency was being unfair to the Vice President Shettima, and Ganduje’s insincerity about having health issues. I am glad Princess Gloria gave him a befitting response in her opinion piece published by Headlinenews.news cautioning him to stop fanning the embers of discord in the APC but to focus on addressing PDP challenges as PDP has been tolerant of his baseless unjustifiable analysis which have no meaningful depth and more like seeking relevance and attention. He claims not to have a political party but is known in political circles as a political mercenary who does hatchet projects when paid. He is not taken seriously by the government and Channels should source for more credible people as discuss ants. Such characters could organize such a hatchet job like this one on the Vice President. He is always speaking on behalf of the VP and the DSS ought to have invited him by now.
Retired Brigadier General, Nigerian Army.
