Prof Yemi Osinbajo has said that being a vice president for seven years and at some point acting president has equipped him adequately to become Nigeria’s president.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this yesterday at the palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo while on a visit to Ondo State as part of his meet-the-people subtle campaign for his 2023 presidential ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on the motivation to run for the office of the president, the vice president said: “I have served for the past seven years as the vice president of Nigeria, and I have also acted within that period when the president was away. I think that I am fortunate, and we are fortunate to have been given tremendous opportunities to serve, also even when I acted (as President).
“In that capacity, I am probably the only person trained to be (in that duration), because if you have been a vice president and also as acting president, then you have been trained, and I must say with utmost humility – that that is exactly how I feel.
“I feel that with what God has given me within the past seven and half years, I must be able to give to my country. People die for this country every day; there are young men and women, soldiers who die for this country every day. That is the greatest act of loyalty that one can have for one’s country. Those of us whom God has given some opportunities to serve must be prepared to offer that service whenever we are called upon to do so.
“Which is why I declared my intention to run for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I want to say that I am grateful to God; and I am grateful to you for all your support, advice and counselling in the past.”
Responding, the monarch prayed for Osinbajo success in attaining his objective.
He said if it were in advanced countries, “nobody would run (for president), they would all just support you.”
The Deji added: “We love you and appreciate you and whatever you do, we support you.
“In whatever you do, we wish you good luck. God will continue to strengthen you; your going and coming would be by the mercy of God. We appreciate you for coming.”
Earlier in his meeting with the state governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, members of the house of assembly, state executive council members and the APC leaders in Ondo State, the Osinbajo reiterated that he was privileged to serve in different capacities, and undertake major responsibilities as vice president and acting president.
“In those capacities as vice president and acting president in particular, I got to know so many things that many people would never have ever have come across, and I gained a lot of experience on that account. Now, the opportunity has come,” he stated.
He said it would be a disservice to the nation on his part not to utilise the wealth of experience he has garnered over the years to further serve the nation in the highest capacity.
“With the experience I have, the contacts and connections that I have made, locally and internationally, I think that it would be a betrayal to our country, to our nation, not to accept to serve the country. If with all that has been given to me by the grace of God, with all of my experiences, to say that, oh, I will now retire quietly either to Lagos or Ikenne, and go and be writing my memoirs; it would be a grave injustice to our country.
“That is why I decided to pour my heart into it, and ensure that I make up this case for the position of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I believe that with God helping, if God gives us the opportunity, and the will of the people also, God will make it happen; I will have the opportunity to give this nation the very best that I can give, with all of our hearts, in everything that we can, with sincerity, openness and transparency. That is the desire of my heart.”
In his remarks, Akeredolu said Osinbajo’s emergence of Prof. as a running mate was purely a divine thing, stressing that it is God who ultimately decides who gets what position.
