Vice President Kashim Shettima has refuted speculations regarding President Bola Tinubu’s health, asserting that the president is brimming with ideas and energy.
According to Channels Television, during last month's Democracy Day celebrations, President Tinubu stumbled, sparking discussions about the former Lagos State governor’s fitness to lead the nation.
Addressing these concerns at a town hall meeting organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja on Friday, Shettima dismissed the rumours about Tinubu’s health as baseless.
In his remarks, Shettima emphasised that the president's minor misstep should not be misconstrued as a sign of poor health.
He highlighted Tinubu's vigorous mental capacity and dedication to his duties, reassuring the public of his ability to steer the country effectively.
Shettima criticised those who spread unfounded rumours, calling their actions mischievous and detrimental to national unity.
Amidst these discussions, Nigeria is grappling with soaring inflation, which reached a staggering 33.69% in May 2024.
Shettima acknowledged the severity of the economic situation but pointed out that such challenges are not unique to Nigeria, implying that many nations are facing similar economic pressures.
Shettima expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration's strategies to combat inflation and stabilise the economy.
He underscored the government's commitment to implementing reforms and policies aimed at enhancing economic growth and improving the living standards of Nigerians.
Despite the daunting economic landscape, Shettima conveyed optimism that the government's initiatives would yield positive results in due course.
Shettima said, "We are not asking you not to question the eligibility of your president’s condition. But there is this mischievous vexation about the president’s health status.
"We are not preparing for the Olympics, but an institution that builds on the superiority of ideas. But I dare to put it to you. The hallmark of true leadership is not the ability to lift a bag of cement but the capacity to come up with robust ideas to solve a nation’s problems. So, this is a man that we need to all rally around; we need to support."