The founder of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, over comments he made regarding the federal government’s emergency rule in Rivers State. Maharaj Ji described Shettima’s stance as a betrayal of President Bola Tinubu and the constitution.
Vice President Shettima had, on July 10, 2025, during a book launch in Abuja, questioned the legality of the emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu on Rivers State. He remarked that the president lacked constitutional authority to suspend a sitting governor, drawing criticism from Maharaj Ji who believes such comments undermine the presidency.
President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of political unrest between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The move saw the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s 32-member House of Assembly.
To manage the crisis, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the president defended his actions as necessary to preserve order and national security amid reports of militant activities and the collapse of legislative functions in the state.
Maharaj Ji maintained that as Vice President, Shettima is duty-bound to support the president’s decisions. He accused the Vice President of undermining national unity due to what he called “ethnic superiority complex” and political insubordination, warning that such tendencies could derail the administration’s progress.
He also argued that the emergency rule was constitutionally backed, highlighting that Tinubu had written to both the Senate and House of Representatives for approval. Maharaj Ji emphasized that the state’s political paralysis, including the demolition of the state assembly complex, justified the president’s action.
Defending the suspension of Rivers political actors, Maharaj Ji claimed Tinubu’s intervention actually protected Governor Fubara from impeachment by pro-Wike lawmakers. He criticized comparisons between the demolition and Tinubu’s constitutional response, insisting the president acted to save democracy.
According to Maharaj Ji, Northern political elements have consistently plotted to destabilize Nigeria for selfish gains. He warned that Nigeria’s progress must not be undermined by disloyal public officials, urging legal and civil society leaders to recognize the gravity of the situation and support constitutional authority.
He also reaffirmed his spiritual support for President Tinubu, calling him a true nationalist committed to reforming Nigeria through policies like tax restructuring and fiscal federalism. Maharaj Ji stated that Tinubu’s leadership is the “divine route” to Nigeria’s stability and development.
In conclusion, Satguru Maharaj Ji insisted that Vice President Shettima’s continued stay in office poses a threat to the administration’s unity and called for his resignation. He urged Nigerians to rally behind the president and reject any political sabotage aimed at inciting disaffection or revolution.
