To say Nigerians are a rare breed is an understatement, especially the youths who try to derive joy in the most uncanny situations.
Twitter, as well as other social media platforms have gone wild in reaction to former Borno State Governor cum APC vice-presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima’s outfit.
The politician who wore a dark suit, a red tie and a pair of sneakers to the Nigerian Bar Association’s annual general conference in Lagos on Monday, has been trending on all social media platforms since the event.
From the photo that went viral, what stood out in the former governor’s outfit, according to tweeps is the loosely fitted suit and pant, and the fact that he ‘rocked’ a sport sneakers to a conference. His critics also claim he lacks style and poise, judging from the viral photo, where he was seated with his buttoned suit and long tie.
Nigerians on Tuesday, August 23 began the #ShettimaChallenge to recreate the outfit of the APC presidential flag bearer, Bola Tinubu’s running mate.
Celebrities were not left behind as veteran musician, Charly Boy also joined others to recreate Shettima’s outfit. Captioning the photo, he wrote: “Nothing my pikins no go make me do. I was ordered by one of my Area children to do the Shettima Challenge. Wahala for person wey no get tye. Even though my shoe no show, but I try naah. Wetin u think?”
Meanwhile, Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie in his own reaction described the ‘Shettima Challenge’ in a tweet as one with misplaced priorities. He wondered why Nigerians are bothered about the politician’s dressing amid the numerous challenges facing the nation. He wrote: “Nigerians & misplaced priorities. They’ll never trend important issues, only frivolities. Who cares about Shettima’s dressing?
“If the next President of Nigeria can fix the country, secure it and make Nigeria work. He can be wearing only boxers and a singlet to work. Who cares?”
In his own reaction, former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode dismissed the fuss over Shettima’s outfit, stating there are other important things to focus on like his eloquence and composure at the conference. He tweeted: “Instead of appreciating the brilliance and profundity of his passion, eloquence, intellect, knowledge and delivery some are obsessing about his suit, tie and shoes!.
Congrats to my friend and brother His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s incoming Vice President, for a superlative performance at the NBA conference yesterday! You did us proud!”
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri tweeted: “This is Tinubu’s running mate at the NBA Conference today. Look at his feet. Who in his right mind wears a suit and tie, and then puts on a pair of gym shoes to a conference? If Shettima does not know how to dress himself, how can he address Nigeria’s challenges?”
See below some mixed reactions to the ‘Shettima Challenge’:
@drpenking wrote: Please don’t blame Shettima, he was confused by the acronym NBA. He probably didn’t know whether it’s Nigeria Basketball Association or Nigerian Bar Association. So to be on the safer side, he decided to wear coat and sports shoes to the conference. What a “smart”man!
@abikedabiri wrote: Brilliant as always @KashimSM
@blossommartins wrote: My principal will focus on the economy while I handle the security – Shettima at the NBA conference. Will you be the Commander-in-Chief? What will your principal now be? Two confused people, they have finished sharing our country naa
@TtifeB wrote: You weren’t going to vote Tinubu if he had gone to the NBA Conference yesterday. His supporters wouldn’t have changed their minds if he had gone to the NBA Conference yesterday. Now that he sent Kashim Shettima, his supporters haven’t changed their minds about him. So, move!
@firstladyship wrote: While Peter Obi is at the NBA Conference by himself, Atiku & Shettima went to the Conference with all their village people. This is exactly what Obi is against. He will run a very lean government, while Atiku& Tinubu will run a bloated government of FRIENDS, CRONIES & LACKEYS.
@GaniyuMaroof wrote: Tinubu Didn’t Attend NBA Conference in Lagos But His Name Was Frequently Mentioned Than Those That Were in Attendance. Shettima Attended & Stole The Show with His Unique Outfit Which Has Been Trending on Social Media.. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
@von_Bismack wrote: NBA invited Tinubu to speak at their annual conference and Tinubu sent Kashmir Shettima. Why are they hiding Tinubu like Covid 19 palliative ?
@samomatseye wrote: While Shettima addressed a suite of ideas, they are boiling over suits and shoes. What a people!
@NigeriaRenew wrote: In 2014, Osinbajo was the one attending public events on behalf of GMB. We never heard GMB speak. He won & took from top to bottom. In 2022, Shettima is now attending public events on behalf of Tinubu. Nigerians shine your eyes & learn from history. Is Tinubu another Buhari?
@TobechiOnyeka wrote: In addition, Shettima said Tinubu will handle economy and he will handle security. That sounds like Buhari will handle security and Osibanjo will handle economy. Same game. Same people. Same tactics. They can fool some Nigerians sometimes but not all Nigerians all the time
@OvieNews wrote: The most celebrated man right now. It’s ironical how few months ago after unveiling, he was demonised and vilified today youths all over TikTok ,Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook are dressing like Asiwaju’s running mate to give Shettima free PR. NO ONE IMITATES SOMEONE THEY HATE