Vice President Kashim Shettima has referred to the sponsors of the End Bad Governance in Nigeria protests across the country as 'bandits and idiots' from Australia, the United States, and Finland.

On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Shettima, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the marriage ceremony of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi's daughters in Borno State, made these remarks.

He also criticized the social media influencers who are supporting the nationwide protest scheduled to take place from August 1-10.

“The only way we can show solidarity with the governor is for our people to shy away from dancing to the tune of the bandits and idiots who are fomenting mischief from the comfort of Australia, of Finland and the United States - all the so-called social media influencers.

They are not in this country; we need to learn a lot of lessons from what happened in Syria and in Libya. So, what they are agitating for is a road to Khartoum, what they are agitating for is a road to Damascus, what they are clamouring for is a part to Tripoli, and, Insha Allah, the people of Nigeria will not dance to the tune of these anarchists and saboteurs," he said.

Shettima urged Nigerians to steer clear of the planned nationwide protests, emphasizing that it is time for unity and focused development in the country.

He pointed out that protests have never solved any national problems, but have instead led to the destruction of lives and properties.

He stated, "I want to use this opportunity to call on our people to eschew violence. There can never be development without peace; there can never be peace without development. I wish to implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, of destruction.”

Shettima mentioned that President Tinubu understands the concerns of citizens and is dedicated to resolving the nation's long-standing crises.

The Vice President asks Nigerians to "have faith in the Federal Government," assuring them that soon, the administration's efforts to reposition the nation with a strong economy and social welfare for its citizens will become evident.

“We have had enough challenges in Borno, in the subregion and the nation as a whole. This is a time for unity, this is a time for focused development. And for the people of Borno, I will ask them to rally round our governor who is working tirelessly to address our developmental deficits and also bring succour to the downtrodden."