NASS leadership: Shettima apologises to Nigerian Muslims over comment

Kashim Shettima, the Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria has tendered his apology his comment during the race for the senate presidency.

It was gathered that Shettima was quoted saying the most incompetent southern Christian is better than the most puritanical northern Muslim.

Shettima said this while making the case for a south-south Christian candidate to become president of the senate, the race which sees Abdulaziz Yari, senator representing Zamfara west and a Muslim, a contender till the very end, even though the All Progressives Congress (APC) had nominated Godswill Akpabio for the position.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by Olusola Abiola, director of information in the office of the vice-president, claimed that the mischief-makers twisted Shettima’s plea out of context.

He said, “It would not be ill-advised for the lawmakers to choose a non-Muslim contestant, even if against a more qualified Muslim option, in order to achieve balance.”

Abiola’s clarification failed to douse debates elicited by Shettima’s remarks.

Speaking with BBC Hausa, the vice-president said he made those comments in the interest of Nigeria, adding that as the son of Muslim scholars, he does not have the intention of discrediting any religion in the country.

“I am human and imperfect, so I am asking for the forgiveness of the community and my God,” he said.