Enchanted clothes worn by the Nigerian president could lead to his death... What did his deputy reveal?

Written by: Ayman Ragab

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that President Bola Tinubu, a few months after taking office, faced allegations concerning traditional clothing he had received from him during the 2023 presidential election campaign, with some people from Borno State claiming that the clothing was “used for witchcraft” and could lead to the president’s death.

Shettima explained, during his speech at the launch of former military president Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Loyalty,” in Abuja, that he had provided Tinubu during the election campaign with a traditional Borno State outfit and hat to wear during his tours in the north of the country, with the aim of strengthening his connection with the northern masses.

Enchanted clothes for the Nigerian president

He noted that Tenobbo wore those clothes repeatedly during the campaign, after they were well received by his aides, but some people later returned to warn the president about them, claiming that they were used for magical purposes and that continuing to wear them could lead to his death, which might pave the way for Chittima to assume the presidency.

According to the Vice President, Tinobo summoned him after his return from participating in the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in October 2023, and informed him of those allegations, stressing that the President rejected them and considered them illogical, especially since the presentation of the clothes took place before their official nomination for the presidency and vice presidency.

Shettima added that the president responded to those allegations in a practical way, as he continued to wear the clothes for a whole week, in a move he described as a clear message rejecting baseless rumors and accusations.

Chittima used this story to talk about the growing suspicion and lack of trust within Nigerian public life, noting that relations between the country’s citizens are being affected by an increasing distrust that did not exist in the past.

"Fura" drink“

In this context, he cited the account of the Sultan of Sokoto about the Sultan’s family periodically sending the drink “Fura” to General Jacob Gowon during his stay at the Dodan Lagos barracks, stressing that Gowon received these initiatives with a spirit of trust and openness.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria needs to restore the values of trust and national unity, warning of the dangers of divisions and tensions that threaten the cohesion of society.

He also praised the legacy of former President Yacouba Gowon, noting his role in promoting national reconciliation through the creation of the National Youth Service Programme, as well as his contributions to supporting regional integration through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Chittima concluded his speech by calling for coexistence and unity, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.”