About a week before the presidential primaries, state governors, their deputies and stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to send thanks to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who is running for the presidency.
On Sunday in Kebbi and Kaduna states, which Prof Osinbajo visited as part of his consultations with stakeholders and APC delegates across the country, the vice president was commended for his efforts to improve governance and commitment to the progress of the country, while stakeholders also spoke in favour of the continuity of government.
During the vice president’s state meetings, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Kebbi State Deputy Governor Samaila Yombe spoke enthusiastically about the qualities of the vice president and called for succession.In Kebbi and Kaduna states, the vice president has already visited 28 states and FCT in talks with ruling party delegates and stakeholders across the country.
According to Governor El-Rufai, Professor Osinbajo is “the number one confidant of the President (Muhammadu Buhari)” and “respected by all Nigerian governors, regardless of party affiliation, because of the way and manner in which he handles the affairs of the National Economic Council.”
Noting that the Vice President has visited the country several times, Governor El-Rufai said that the Vice President “is not only here because he is running for president. He is here because he is closely associated with the government and people of Kaduna State. I want those who do not know, leaders and delegates of our party, to know that Professor Yemi Osinbajo has always shown extraordinary love for the people of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State governor went on to say of the leadership qualities of the vice president, “Professor Osinbajo: ‘I have worked very closely with the vice president for the past seven years. Prior to that, we worked together as senior officers of the party to develop the party’s strategy and manifesto. We wrote the Party Manifesto together as members of the Party Strategy Committee.
“He is a smart, brilliant man; a unifier, a tribal Nigerian; he has shown us leadership as chairman of the National Economic Council.
Under Vice President Osinbajo’s leadership, the Paris Cube refund that was deducted in 2005 has finally been paid to all countries and we are all beneficiaries. Under his leadership, recommendations were made to address the problems of the 27 countries that failed to pay in 2015. I could go on and on listing the qualifications and merits of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo”.
Governor El-Rufai urged delegates to “vote for the best person to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land,” adding, “We are an honest people in Kaduna State. Remember that Nigeria’s future is at stake. Nigeria is at a critical crossroads and the decisions we make in 2023 will largely determine whether this country moves fast and fulfils its clear destiny.
We must put aside all emotions and personal interests and vote for the best person to lead Nigeria to this promised land.”
Also in Kebbi, State Deputy Governor Samaila Yombe said “continuity in government is needed.”
Yombe said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is our president and will be for another eight years (until May 2023). He has a strong backbone in the form of the vice president.
“We are now going to stand on both feet to ensure continuity and the promise we have all made here is a guarantee, Mr Vice President, that by the grace of God we will see you there.”
Also speaking was APC President Kebbi Alhaji Muhammadu Kana, who recalled the vice president’s efforts to bring peace and unity to the country. “Our vice president, we wish you well, we wish you success,” he added.
Vice President Osinbajo, while meeting the state delegates, noted that Nigeria was at a crucial point in its history when continuity of government was needed to ensure the completion of the many ongoing development projects initiated by the Buhari government as well as the continued progress of the countryProf Osinbajo, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Emir of Gwandu and President of the Traditional Rulers of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, yesterday, said: “I have been vice president for the past seven years under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. During this seven-year period, I have had the unique opportunity to work with an open and transparent president.
“My experience has been crucial, especially in running a country of our size. That is why I have decided to run for the presidency. There are other people running for the position (president); several competent Nigerians and competent members of our APC party. We all know that all power belongs to Almighty God. It is He who determines who will rule, we can only hope, pray and nominate ourselve
“I firmly believe that the stage our country is at is such that it requires continuity so that we can achieve great things
Thanking the Emir for his kindness, generosity and advice, the vice president said: “The result of your advice has brought us the successes our government has achieved over the years
He pointed to several ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, Lagos-Kano standard gauge railway, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway project and other
The vice president added: “If I have the opportunity to complete these projects and do many more, I will do so
Similarly, Professor Osinbajo reiterated at a meeting with delegates in Kebbi, “It is God who gives power, only God can put a man or woman in office and if God puts you in office, no one can change it
He added: “I have offered myself as a candidate for the presidency of our party because I know that by the grace of God, if God helps me to be elected, we will change our country for the common man, for the politician, for the rich, the poor, the young, women, children and the old. Let us work together, because your votes will determine the future of our countr
“This is a difficult country, but it is a country that must remain united, that must remain safe and we must improve the economy for the benefit of millions of young people and all Nigerians
Professor Osinbajo also said the situation .could be improved in the areas of security, economy and technology.
For instance, he noted that “the real infrastructure for technology is broadband and we are working on that; in the coming years, we intend to make broadband available to all to enhance business opportunities, especially for the youths.”
Referring to the ongoing review of the country’s security architecture by the Buhari administration, the vice president said, “we will eventually be able to cope with the current challenges, but we also have to be prepared for future security challenges.”
On social investment programmes, the vice president said: “We will expand the social investment programmes so that they become a comprehensive social safety net programme. We also need to make sure that our young people are employed, included in society and that we have a plan for them.”
The Vice President, who answered various questions on security, economy, youth, women, governance, politics, social investment, etc., also received strong support from the delegates.
Professor Osinbajo was accompanied on the trip by former Kano State Governor and Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Dr Bashir Gwandu, Alhaji Yerima Gobir and other top government officials.
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