Shettima apologizes for demanding Christian Senate President

Vice President Kashim Shettima has apologized for suggesting a Christian Senate President should be chosen for the 10th National Assembly.

Before the election, Shettima stated that “the most inept Southern Christian would be preferable to the most pious Northern Muslim for the position of Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Particularly on social media and within the Muslim community, his words sparked indignation and controversy.

Shettima said his remarks were misunderstood and that he never intended to disparage his faith in an interview with BBC Hausa, however, this was contradicted by other sources.

He declared, “My remark was intended to help Nigeria, but it was misunderstood. I got confidential intelligence documents that shouldn’t be made public.

“I genuinely didn’t intend to hurt anyone or the Islamic faith in any way. I do, however, ask for forgiveness from my Lord and the rest of the community since I am a flawed human being. As a devoted Muslim whose family has diligently followed the way of Islam for more than 1,400 years, I swear I will never use such words again.

“It was never my aim to disrespect any faith, therefore I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my comments.”

Since then, Godswill Akpabio, a Christian from Akwa-Ibom North-West, has been chosen to lead the Senate.