Shettima's Counseling Role, Tinubu's Jet2 Getaway

The Nigerian political elite places great importance on nuptials. Although the newlyweds might consider their wedding day as a significant event, it often functions like an exclusive golf club where political agreements are negotiated, topics are debated, and indeed, rivalries are formed.

In the end, it's simpler for political opponents to use a wedding as a veil to address grievances, plan their future actions, or set up the timing for their next encounter, which could very likely take place at yet another wedding.

As a result, for political figures, participating in weddings is a holy responsibility that should not be passed too low within the organizational structure.

Whether serving as witnesses for a governor's daughter in Katsina or issuing marriage licenses in Kaduna, they have to be there.

In May last year, President Bola Tinubu ended his Jet2 trip to Europe early to join the ceremony where the daughter of Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, named Aisha, married Ahmed Usman. The president offered prayers for the couple, signed something resembling a marriage license, and took pictures with the new spouses and their relatives. Four months after this event, during September, he traveled to Kaduna for the nuptials of Nasirudeen Yari, the child of Senator Abdul'aziz Yari. Political engagements and marital festivities often go hand in hand.

Therefore, when Deputy President Kashim Shettima traveled to Makurdi on Sunday to attend the wedding of Samuel Akume—son of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume—it marked yet another standard event. Just after midday, the vice president reached the church located in the capital city of Benue. Instead of taking his place at the main table and watching the proceedings, he decided it would be more beneficial for the newlyweds to gain insight from his extensive experience in marriage, which he accumulated during his more than twenty years of being married to Hajiya Nana.

"There are times in life when events silently etch themselves into our memories. This is one such moment," Shettima started in his typical Shakespearean manner. "We have gathered not just to observe a marriage, but to be present at the crossroads where two narratives decide to merge into one," he remarked.

During his sermon, the Deputy President referred to marriage as "a core foundation of Nigeria's societal resilience and sustained country growth," highlighting that solid familial bonds play an active role in fostering national unity.

He counseled the couple: "A household isn't created solely through promises. It is formed through daily decisions. Through choosing to respond with kindness instead of impatience. Through the bravery to apologize even when you believe you're right."

Suitable phrases for any new couple. However, I was eager to listen to Shettima's advice directed at the bride's father, Akume. Just days before, the SGF had secretly wed Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The marriage, revealed through Facebook by a relative on December 26, became news in various traditional media sources and sparked discussion on rumor sites for multiple days.

At that moment, Akume found himself playing two roles: a father witnessing his son’s marriage and a new husband at the age of 72. Within a single week, two weddings took place in the same family. It seems like Benue could rightfully be called the food basket for wedding celebrations.

Although Shettima's advice to young Samuel was recorded in an official statement from the Presidency, there is no documentation of his conversation with Elder Akume, who is currently experiencing the initial stages of a new relationship. However, it can be reasonably assumed that the same guidance shared with the son was subsequently passed on to the father. Indeed, "listening, forgiveness, and mutual support" remain essential elements for both young and older couples.

Seems like whenever Shettima isn't altering names during APC committee gatherings, wading through waterlogged roads in Maiduguri, or meeting victims of explosive attacks, he's offering advice to pairs and uniting opponents, much like he did with Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike amid the conflict triggered by the state of emergency declaration.

During a governors' gathering held in February 2024 at the Presidential Villa, Shettima notably directed Rivers State Governor Fubara’s attention toward the FCT Minister, Wike, who the governor had seemingly passed by without offering recognition.

The subsequent handshake felt uncomfortable, much like that of two children compelled to reconcile following a dispute over a toy.

At the same time, while Shettima offered marital advice in Makurdi, President Tinubu commenced the second part of his Jet2 trip. In a previous article entitled "Tinubu’s Vacation, Trump’s State Visit & Everything in Between," I mentioned that the President missed the second segment of his European tour last September, which was too suspicious to overlook.

Tinubu, who had lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, was set to travel next to London. However, on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump was due to start his state visit to the United Kingdom.

Even though Tinubu has been carefully navigating the issue regarding Trump since the latter took power, the incident from last November forced him to interact with the red-headed leader.

Therefore, on the previous Sunday, the President left Lagos heading towards Europe, extending his year-end vacation.

As per the Presidency, he is set to travel to Abu Dhabi for the 2026 iteration of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, which carries the theme "The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended an invitation to him directly. Tinubu plans to participate in the summit between January 11 and 15, and this will be the second successive year he skips the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).