When the bridge-builder showed up for “Persona Non Grata”, By Zainab Suleiman Okino

And right here lies the deeds that talk to the Nigerian variety and the way it may be changed into a bonus, somewhat than the best way we view and politicise it. VP Shettima and Ismaila don’t converse the identical language; they belong to completely different ethnic/geographic teams and areas, however their bond has enhanced positivity in variety. The occasion finally demonstrated how Nigeria’s variety may be remodeled from a perceived problem right into a energy by way of real relationships and understanding throughout cultural, non secular, and ethnic boundaries.

One thing fairly exceptional and elegant, but a robust testomony, able to setting the tone for a discourse on nationwide cohesion occurred just lately at a somewhat innocuous e-book launch of knowledgeable colleague. The e-book additionally has an uncommon title, Private Non Grata, a private account of the writer, Ismaila Omipidan’s life and experiences from relative obscurity to limelight.

The title of the e-book is as intriguing because the viewers. The occasion’s significance lay not simply in its content material however in its viewers – a various meeting of Nigerians that resembled a nationwide unity summit. The gathering introduced collectively people from varied political affiliations, non secular beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds, all united in assist of the writer. Main this convergence of variety was Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose presence highlighted his brotherly connection to the writer and his personal cosmopolitan nature. This look preceded Shettima’s spectacular displaying on the World Financial Discussion board in Davos, Switzerland, the place he continued to make Nigerians proud.

The intriguing title “Persona Non Grata” was eloquently defined by e-book reviewer, Lasisi Olagunju, on the 18 January occasion at Ladi Kwali Corridor, Continental Resort. The Latin phrase, that means “particular person not welcome,” stemmed from an incident the place a North-Japanese governor withdrew his assure of the writer’s safety, fearing potential hurt from his supporters.

The narrative then connects to the broader context of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, the place the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima sparked intense debate. Regardless of Tinubu’s marriage to Remi Tinubu, a Pentecostal pastor from Edo State, the ticket confronted criticism as an alleged try and marginalise Nigeria’s Christian inhabitants. This led to the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria (CAN) supporting Labour Get together’s Peter Obi, whereas the predominantly Muslim North backed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket and set the stage for our perennial North-South and Christian-Muslim “hate” debates.

Throughout this era, Vice President Shettima confronted unfounded accusations of Boko Haram connections, regardless of his robust assist amongst Borno State’s Christian group and his historical past of interfaith relationships. His appointments since taking workplace – together with Stanley Nwokocha as senior particular assistant from the South-East, an Igbo chief element, and a Northern Christian ADC – have demonstrated his inclusive management and broadminded strategy.

Again to the e-book launch, which gave rise to this intervention and the place of Shettima within the lifetime of the writer. To underscore his interesting aura and legendary humility, the VP virtually courted the friendship of the writer when he (Ismail) was a poor journalist plying his commerce from the North-East axis of the nation, when the VP was a financial institution supervisor, as much as when he turned the governor. Intentionally cultivating relationships appears to be VP’s second nature as testified by many. Of their submissions (VP and Ismail), each had been endeared to one another regardless of the social hole and cultural distinction. That relationship which stemmed from the friendship and admiration endures until at this time and because it was that day.

On the e-book launch, Shettima’s position transcended that of particular visitor of honour and keynote speaker. He turned an lively facilitator, utilizing his charisma and oratory expertise to encourage better participation and assist for the mission. His real reference to Ismaila, whom he calls “brother from one other mom,” made him, with hand gestures and eye contacts, politely plead with the dignitaries to extend their introduced donations. He dropped all protocols to assist his brother.

And right here lies the deeds that talk to the Nigerian variety and the way it may be changed into a bonus, somewhat than the best way we view and politicise it. VP Shettima and Ismaila don’t converse the identical language; they belong to completely different ethnic/geographic teams and areas, however their bond has enhanced positivity in variety. The occasion finally demonstrated how Nigeria’s variety may be remodeled from a perceived problem right into a energy by way of real relationships and understanding throughout cultural, non secular, and ethnic boundaries.

Like VP Shettima, like Ismail Omipidan, whose personal life story mirrors this spirit of nationwide unity. Born in Oturkpo, Benue State, his journey took him by way of Kaduna, Maiduguri, Kano, Ibadan, Abuja, and Lagos; and his political tentacles extends to the japanese a part of the nation (he was as soon as an aide to Deputy Senate President Ekweramadu) to his origin in Osun State, the place he served as chief press secretary to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. All these teams had been at Ismail Omipidan’s occasion. They didn’t simply present up, each group needed to personal and declare him. Omipidan was that cosmopolitan and patriotic Nigerian who feels at residence in all components of the nation.

I do know, as a result of I’ve come a great distance with him from our days at Each day Belief (Weekend), the place he started his profession as an intern and past. On a lighter word, and to Ismail, I’m Mama (Momo as he calls me). For those who care to know the way this endearing expression happened, please ask Professor Farooq Kperogi, a US based mostly scholar who wrote the Foreword to the e-book and who in keeping with Olagunju gave “a constructive testimony and testimonial to the particular person” of Ismail Omipidan.

Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs Blueprint Editorial Board. She is a syndicated columnist and may be reached by way of: zainabokino@gmail.com