By Abdullateef Bamgbose
Nigerian lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Hamza N. Dantani has lauded Vice President Kashim Shettima as a rare pillar of democratic tolerance, describing his ability to endure hostility and criticism without retaliation as a vital virtue for Nigeria’s enduring democracy.
Dantani, in a statement on Wednesday, emphasised that Shettima’s leadership style is defined by a deep-seated respect for free expression, even when such freedom is used to propagate falsehoods or personal insults against him.
The statement highlights several instances where the Vice President faced grave allegations and public ridicule, yet chose a path of silence and composure.
Dantani pointed specifically to the malicious claims linking Shettima to the sponsorship of Boko Haram during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, noting that despite the severity of these accusations, the Vice President refused to dignify them with public rebuttals or legal intimidation.
Further instances of this restraint were cited, including the 2023 NBA Conference in Lagos where critics mocked Shettima’s attire rather than engaging with his ideas. Dantani observed that despite the relentless abuse, cyberbullying, and controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Shettima has never weaponised security agencies or the courts to silence his detractors, maintaining a peaceful relationship with the Nigerian public since taking office.
“I vividly recall a time when opposition figures and enemies of democratic progress deliberately spread falsehoods, alleging that Kashim Shettima had links with or was sponsoring Boko Haram. The misinformation went as far as attempts to maliciously associate one of his aides during his tenure as Governor of Borno State. Despite the gravity of these allegations, he chose restraint over retaliation. He neither responded nor dignified the accusations with public rebuttals.
“Throughout his journey as a vice-presidential aspirant, Kashim Shettima endured relentless abuse, insults, and misrepresentations. Yet at no point did he attempt to intimidate critics or weaponize security agencies to arrest or file frivolous charges against anyone.
“After emerging victorious as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he continued to maintain a peaceful and respectful relationship with Nigerians, notwithstanding persistent hostility, the controversy surrounding the Muslim–Muslim ticket, and ongoing verbal attacks,” he said.
Dantani also commended Shettima’s political conduct in his home state of Borno, noting that after serving eight years as Governor and later as a Senator, he has remarkably refrained from interfering in the leadership of his successors. He noted that Shettima has avoided the “alpha and omega” syndrome typical of many former governors, allowing the state’s current leadership to flourish independently.
The legal practitioner shared a personal anecdote involving an instance of vulgar cyberbullying directed at the Vice President. When Dantani reached out to Shettima’s associates to suggest legal action, he was told that the Vice President preferred to let citizens express their opinions freely, as he was focused on more pressing national responsibilities rather than giving critics the attention they sought.
“There is no point taking this matter further. Let him express his opinion however he chooses. The Vice President has more important responsibilities. Do not give critics the honor they seek. Sometimes, especially as a public office holder entrusted with the people’s confidence, not every provocation warrants a response, and not every insult warrants action. Leadership often lies in restraint, patience, and a deep respect for democratic freedoms,” the statement said.
In conclusion, Dantani asserted that Shettima’s integrity and reputation remain undiminished despite years of defamation, portraying him as a leader whose intellect and commitment to human rights stand as a testament to how public figures should navigate the complexities of a democratic society while upholding the value of free speech.
