By Abdulkareem Haruna

Vice President Kashim Shettima recently found himself in hot water over remarks made during an interaction session with elected members of Nigeria’s National AssembliesThe comments, which were seen as offensive by some Muslim brothers in the northern part of the country, prompted Shettima to issue an apology on BBC Hausa radio broadcast.

In his apology, Shettima emphasised that he intended to promote justice and equity in allocating public office in Nigeria, which was misunderstood.  He also highlighted his family’s long-standing commitment to Islam, stating that his lineage could be traced back over 1,400 years.

A northern herders group, Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), praised the Vice President for his courage and sincerity in addressing the issue. 

The association’s National President, Hon Khalil Mohd Bello, lauded Shettima’s efforts to provide inclusiveness and equal opportunities for herders in Borno State during his tenure as governor. 

He listed Shettima’s initiatives, like enrollment of herders’ children in the prestigious Elkenami College of Islamic and Theology and providing free transportation to and from school for these students, as virtues defining the VP’s character. 

Additionally, the group listed the construction of the Aisha Buhari Integrated Primary and Secondary School, where 90% of the students are herders’ children, offering them the same educational rights as those in Abuja FCT as another thing that endeared them to him. 

KACRAN believes that by apologising, even though he was misunderstood, Shettima has demonstrated uncommon “courage, justice, sincerity, and fairness.”

The group urges fellow Nigerian Muslims, particularly those in the north, to accept his apology in good faith. 

Mr Bello also encourages leaders to follow Shettima’s example of humility and readiness to apologise when they offend or appear to offend their followers, as doing so promotes harmony and understanding in society.