Vice President Kashim Shettima has denied allegations that the President Bola Tinubu-led government intends to move some government agencies and institutions from the FCT to Lagos State.
Shettima discussed this while speaking through his political adviser, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, at the 10th Ahmadu Bello Annual Memorial Lecture in Maduguri on Saturday, January 27.
His comments come on the heels of the planned relocation of the corporate offices of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, from Abuja to Lagos State.
The planned relocation of these offices has attracted criticism from Arewa groups, who have alleged that Tinubu is planning to underdevelop the North.
Also, the planned relocation of these offices has attracted backlash from Sen. Ali Ndume, who has warned Tinubu of dire consequences if the relocation is not halted.
“There is no truth in the rumors that the Federal Government plans to relocate agencies and institutions out of Abuja beyond effecting administrative changes that will not disadvantage any part of this country, “Shettima stated.
“I repeat, this administration (the Tinubu administration) will not disadvantage any part of the country in favor of another,” he stressed, assuring, “We seek balanced and inclusive growth.”
Shettima therefore appealed, saying, “I would like to use this forum to appeal to leaders and elders with responsibility to resist the temptation to act on these spurious rumors.”
Turning to security, which was the main topic of discussion during the speech, Shettima reminded the audience that the Tinibu administration’s first objective was to secure the country.
“Every strategy that can end violent crimes and conflicts within communities will be pursued vigorously by this administration,” he assured.
