The Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, expressed that his experiences in the last seven years under President Muhammadu Buhari had built him to face and overcome any challenge of leadership and nation-building.
Professor Osinbajo, who is also an All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential aspirant, said this while communicating Oyo State party delegates and members at Civic Center in Ibadan, Oyo state.
He said he has got the needed experience and sagacity under the current adminstration to lead the country, promising to hit the ground running on his first day in office because he knows what’s obtainable.
According to him: “I have served in the Federal Government of Nigeria for the past seven years. And in those seven years, I have been involved because the president considered it the right thing to do. In his own generosity and his openness, he gave me every opportunity to serve, including very sensitive international assignments.
“As you know, I also acted as president during certain periods when the president was away on medical vacation. Everything that I learned as vice president, and everything that I have learnt as acting president, has prepared me to run as president of our country and to function as president of our country.
“God does not make a mistake. God is deliberate in everything that He does. And by giving all those opportunities, every one of the opportunities that I have, to see for myself, to understand governance for myself at the highest level of our country’s governance, to be exposed to everything – local and international, at the highest levels of governance in our country.
“All of it was not just that I would sit down and write my memoirs. No. It’s to come in handy one day. I believe that time has come and, I have a responsibility to my country. I have the responsibility to you, to all our children, and the coming generations; to give all of what I have learnt, everything I have learnt, all of the service I have given, to be able to give it to our country and to serve our country faithfully, honestly and transparently. That is my intention.” He stressed.
Remember that VP Osinbajo announced his intention to run for the President on April 11.
He, therefore, appreciated the party faithful for supporting President Buhari and his government.
Report has it that the vice president had earlier paid the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, a visit at his Alarere residence to seek his solidarity and blessings.
He said: “Nigeria needs all who are willing to serve to attain her potential. I have come to Ibadan to confer with the party delegates on my intention to run for the Presidency which I formally declared for on the 11th of April this year.
“Kabiyesi, I know that you are no more a politician though it is said that we are all political animals, your position as the father of all precludes Your Imperial Majesty from being active. So, I covet your prayers and want to assure Your Majesty that wherever I may be, your highly respected position is guaranteed.”
“I’m happy for the people of Ibadan, Kabiyesi is a great gift to Ibadan and the nation in general,” he added.
While responding, Oba Balogun said, “We are proud of you and share your aspiration. I don’t want to be tempted to talk politics and I can spend hours praying for you, but just let me hand you over to the Almighty Allah to take total control and be with you and your entourage.”
