Osinbajo: Nigeria at Critical Stage, Needs Continuity in Govt
VP is detribalised, Buhari's top confidant, says El-Rufai Borno promises to repay presidential hopeful with her votes
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, said Nigeria was at a critical stage in history, which required continuity in government to complete ongoing infrastructure projects being executed by the President Buhari administration.
At the same time, the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai described Osinbajo as a detribalised Nigerian and close confidant of the President.
This is as the Borno State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally endorsed Osinbajo as the presidential aspirant, saying it would repay him for his good deeds with its votes at the party’s forthcoming primary election.
Osinbajo, according to a statement issued Monday by his Media Assistant, Laolu Akande, made the disclosure while addressing delegates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi and Kaduna States ahead of the presidential primaries of the party billed for this weekend in Abuja.
Meetings with delegates in the two states, Osinbajo noted that Nigeria was at a crucial stage in her history, where continuity in government was needful to ensure the completion of many ongoing development projects started by the Buhari administration, and also further progress for the country.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi State Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, Osinbajo said, “I’ve served as vice-president for the past seven years under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. During that seven-year period, I have had the unique opportunity to work with an open and transparent president.
“My experience is crucial, especially, in governing a country of our size. This is why I decided to put myself forward to serve as president. There are other people vying for that position (of the president); several competent Nigerians and competent members of our party, the APC. We all know that all power belongs to the Almighty God. He is the one, who determines, who rules; we can only hope and pray and put ourselves forward.
“I believe strongly that the stage that our country is at, is one that requires continuity of the sort that will enable us achieve great results.”
While thanking the Emir for his kindness, generosity, and counsel, the vice-president said, “the result of your counsel has given us the successes that our government has had over the years.”
He noted several ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project, among many others, adding that, “it makes perfect sense if I am given the opportunity of concluding those projects and doing so many other things. I will do so.”
At his meetings with delegates in Kebbi, Osinbajo restated that, “It is God who gives power, only God can put a man or woman in position, and if God puts you in a position, nobody can change it.”
According to him, “I offered myself as presidential aspirant 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, poor, young, women, children, and the old. Let us work together, your votes will determine the future of our country.
“This is a complex country, but it is a country that must remain united, that must remain secure, and we must improve the economy for the benefit of millions of young people and all Nigerians.”
While stating that there was room for improvement in the areas of security, economy, and technology, he noted that, “The right infrastructure for technology is broadband connectivity, and we are putting that together; we intend to have that broadband connectivity for all in coming years, so that we can expand opportunity for business, especially, for young people.”
Commenting on country’s security architecture, the vice-president noted that, “at the end of the day, we will be able to tackle our present challenges, but we must be prepared to deal with future security challenges also.”
On the Social Investment Programmes, the vice-president said, “We are going to expand the social investment programmes to become a full-scale social welfare programme. We must also ensure that our young people are employed, engaged and we must have a plan for them.”
Osinbajo was, however, commended for his efforts in improving governance and dedication to the progress of the country, while stakeholders also canvassed for continuity in government.
El-Rufai, and Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Samaila Yombe, spoke glowingly about the VP’s qualities, with a call for continuity.
According to the Kaduna governor, Osinbajo was the number one confidante of the President (Muhammadu Buhari), and “has the respect of all the governors of Nigeria, across party lines, because of the way and manner he steers the affairs of the National Economic Council.”
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