V.p Kashim Shettima at the book launch of former Attorney-General federal

Vice President Kashim Shettima at the book launch of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, emphasizes the separation of powers and the limits of executive authority in Nigeria's democratic system. According to Shettima, the President does not possess the constitutional power to sack a Governor or even a Councillor, which is a reflection on the principles of federalism and the independence of the different tiers of government.

This statement comes amidst a backdrop of political tension and power dynamics that often arise in the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Nigeria. The Vice President's anecdote about the advice given by Adoke to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and adhering to the Constitution, especially during times of crisis.

The incident mentioned involved the consideration of removing governors from the northeast region due to the severe security challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. However, the legal advice from Adoke and Kabiru Turaki reportedly prevented such an action, which could have had significant implications for the governance and stability of the affected states.

Shettima's comments also underscore the value of political leaders who stand by their principles and the law, even when it might be unpopular or difficult. Adoke's ability to maintain his stance on constitutionality and later forgive those who vilified him is seen as a commendable trait in a political environment that is often fraught with accusations and recriminations.

The statement serves as a reminder to all political office holders about the importance of respecting the boundaries of their powers and the need for cooperation and adherence to the rule of law in a democratic setup. It is also a reaffirmation of the role of legal advisors in providing guidance to political leaders to ensure that their actions are in line with the Constitution, thus protecting the integrity of the nation's democratic institutions.