NEWISSUES
By George Onmonya Daniel
Is there a plot to replace Vice President Shettima in 2027? That is what a The Policy, a magazine that does not publish nowadays has carried as its headline in a graphic being shared on WhatsApp.
From what NEWISSUES knows and can confirm from sources within the power actors and power circle in Nigeria, there is no such plot.
Speculations, however started here and there because of Governor Zulum of Borno State, and Senator Ali Ndume's outrage at their attack on the president because of the suspended tax bill that emanated from the desk of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Both Governor Umara Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ndume who were from the Vice President's state made it all look like it was personal. They may have taken it too far. People wonder if the Vice President is in charge of his people.
Governor Zulum and Senator Ndume are known for their usual outbursts,” a source confided to NEWISSUES. “Ndume always looks frustrated whenever he wants something and doesn't get, he becomes a critics. He was part of the government when Buhari destroyed this country. I am not even sure he understands the tax reforms that was presented to the National Assembly. He can be an alarmist. It is sad that Governor Shettima without understanding the issues and being misinformed came all out to belittle himself.”
Another source with the Vice President circle told NEWISSUES that the Vice President was not informed on the tax bill by the office of the president, that was why the Vice President didn't get himself or his people involved in the debate as he has many things he is handling. He also said the governor and the senator have enormous power of independence and the Vice President cannot interfere in what they say or how they feel about policies of such importance.
When Nigerian leaders debate tax reform, who benefits, who it would affect, there is no such plot anywhere to replace Shettima who is in the good book of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
