Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, has given clarification to his comment during the 10th Senate leadership tussle a few days ago.
It could be recalled that the in the build-up to the election of leaders of the 10th National Assembly, Shettima, during a meeting with some lawmakers, said, “Under the current dispensation, the worst incompetent Southern Christian is better than the most puritanical Northern Muslim for the Presidency of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Shettima’s comment was criticized by some Muslims.
Naija News understands that Shettima made the statement while appealing to senators-elect to support President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) choice of candidate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
However, while speaking during a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Shettima said his utterances were misunderstood, and he had no intention of defaming his religion.
“The comment I made is for the benefit of Nigeria but was misinterpreted. I receive confidential intelligence reports that are not suitable for public disclosure.
“I sincerely did not have any intention to cause harm to any individual or the Islamic religion. However, being an imperfect human being, I seek forgiveness from the community and from my Lord. I pledge that I will never reiterate such words again, as I am a devout Muslim, and my family lineage has faithfully followed the path of Islam for more than 1,400 years.
“To anyone who was hurt by my statement, I apologize, as it was never my intention to disparage any religion,” the Vice President said.
