The vice president has stated his reasons for being absent at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Award on held yesterday where he was billed to be honoured with Integrity Specialty of the Anti-Corruption Defender Award in recognition of his stewardship when he served in the Lagos State Judiciary.
The vice president said in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande that he was hamstrung by issues surrounding the re-arrest of the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS) last Friday, December 6.
“In view of the developments on Friday in the Sowore case, I think it would be insensitive and inappropriate to attend the ceremony,” he stated.
The centre had earlier announced the postponement of the recongition stating “the inappropriateness of the award” for him at this time.
Osinbajo’s statement reads:
“I am extremely grateful for the recognition and award of the “Integrity Specialty of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Anti-corruption Defender Award of 2019” to me.
“However, two reasons explain my absence. First is that I am currently in Abu Dhabi for an international meeting under the auspices of the government of the UAE where I am the keynote speaker.
“The award, I note, is for our Justice reform efforts in Lagos State. I had accepted the award with pride on behalf of the excellent Justice Sector team we had.
“Second, in view of the developments on Friday in the Sowore case, I think it would be insensitive and inappropriate to attend the ceremony.
“Please accept my heartfelt apologies and extend the same to the other members of the organizing team. God bless you.”
