Kashim Shettima, vice president, has apologised to the Muslim community for his remark regarding the choice of leaders for the 10th Assembly.
Shettima had stated, “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” in a meeting with lawmakers prior to the National Assembly election.
The remark sparked a contentious discussion, particularly on social media.
Shettima, however, claimed that his comments were misinterpreted and that he had no desire to disparage his religion in an interview with BBC Hausa.
“The remark I made was for the benefit of Nigeria, but it was misunderstood,” he said. I receive classified intelligence reports that should not be made public.
“I sincerely didn’t intend to hurt anyone or the Islamic faith in any way. I do, however, ask the community and my Lord for forgiveness because I am a flawed human being. Given that I am a devout Muslim and that my family has faithfully followed the path of Islam for more than 1,400 years, I promise that I will never use such words again.
I sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended by my statement because I never meant to belittle any religion.
