Agriculture: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency, Shettima Gives Reason
- In a significant twist of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on agriculture in Nigeria
- Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed this at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Shettima mentioned the region and also explained the reason Tinubu made the declaration, adding that "Hunger knows no bounds"
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has given an insight into the reasons for the declaration of the ‘State of Emergency on Agriculture’ by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Source: Facebook
Why Tinubu declared state of emergency - Shettima
The VP spoke at a session on: Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Framework’, at the ongoing UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, The Punch reported.
He noted that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in conflict-driven environment like the North-East, where Boko Haram is attacking and destroying, to address rising food shortage and cater to the needs of the people.
Buttressing his point, Shettima noted that any nation that was not independent in the area of food sovereignty remained not a sovereign country.
Shettima said:
"We met the nation in a very state of affairs. And His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of food emergency out of genuine concern for the welfare of our people.
"This is especially in conflict-driven environment like the North-East where Boko Haram is sowing seeds of discord and destruction.
"So, the government came out with some very bold policy guidelines informed by the need to strengthen our food system.
"These include the setting up of the Presidential Food System Coordinating Units.
"The units mainly not to displace the existing bodies but to coordinate the activities for enhanced food delivery. And issues like the Food Support mechanism in the North East and the North."
Source: Facebook
Speaking further, Shettima applauded the World Food Programme and other Multilateral agencies for their support to Nigeria.
He stated that in displaced people’s camps, Tinubu’s administration took the initiative to encourage the displaced people to produce their food.
Shettima said:
"In the Sahelian region, there is an existence relationship between the economy and the ecology and the government has to come up with a very robust policies to ensure that our people do not fall into despair.
"Hunger knows no bounds, hunger doesn’t discriminate."
Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers
Meanwhile, Shettima spoke several months after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state.
He made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, also suspending Governor Sim Fubara and his deputy for six months amid a political crisis rocking the state.
Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution interprets a state of emergency as a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control.
Read more articles on state of emergency and Shettima:
- Nigerian governor declares state of emergency, appoints sole administrator
- Watch video: “How Jonathan attempted to remove me as Borno gov,” Shettima speaks
- Ganduje’s exit: Drama as NNPP welcomes Shettima to Kano, APC leaders' absence sparks debate
2027: Why Tinubu may dump Shettima
In another development, Legit.ng reported that political analyst Dare Glintstone Akinniyi warned President Tinubu against replacing VP Kashim Shettima, insisting that speculations about his strategic move cannot be dismissed.
Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, the PDP Youth spokesperson predicted a fresh crisis within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
While the APC denied Shettima's replacement plot, Akinniyi explained what President Tinubu should do ahead of the 2027 elections.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
