Osinbajo to state stance on 2023 soon’

By Benjamin Omoike

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will officially communicate his stance on the 2023 election, his spokesperson, Laolu Akande, has said.

Mr. Akande fielded questions from State House correspondents shortly after photo sessions with the vice president who marked his 65th birthday on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that at present, Prof. Osinbajo was focused on supporting President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“Well, like he has said up to this time, he is committed to the work that he is elected as vice president and to support the president.

“That is what he is focused on now; and like I have also said in my last tweet, whatever will be his activities or whatever he would do will be communicated officially,” he said.

Akande said that the vice president, based on his observations in the last seven to eight years, was driven by the notion that the government, governance and leadership ought to have a heart of justice and service.

“He often says in most of the meetings that we hold that the reason why we are here is because people put us here.

“ We are here in the interest of the people; so, he is someone that is committed to that notion of service to the people, whether in government, whether as a pastor, whether as a lawyer.

“In every aspect of his life, he understands very diligently the idea that we are here to serve.’’

He said that Mr Osinbajo had always emphasised on the need to create impact for the people.

According to him, the vice president is very inspiring and worthy of leadership.

“As you can see there are many more Nigerians today that are yearning to say that this is the kind of man to follow.

“So, happy birthday, vice president,’’ he said.

Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ade Ipaye, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State who also featured in the photo sessions with vice president, paid glowing tributes to him.

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Buhari had earlier in a birthday message, applauded Mr Osinbajo for his loyalty and dedication to duty, especially in supervising the nation’s economy.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also congratulated Osinbajo on his birthday, describing him as worthy, committed, loyal and dependable partner to Buhari.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Osinbajo as a beacon of selfless service, seasoned administrator, legal icon, university don and religious leader, who has used his skills and positions in different capacities for national growth and development in both the private and public sectors.

The governor also hailed Osinbajo’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State, especially in the judicial sector during his eight years tenure as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State.

He said Lagos State witnessed a lot of transformation in the judicial sector in Lagos State during Prof. Osinbajo’s tenure as Commissioner for Justice, adding that the Vice President deserves commendation for many legal battles fought and won by the State during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I heartily congratulate Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the occasion of his 65th birthday celebration and commend him for his patriotism, doggedness, dedication, exemplary leadership qualities, commitment and tireless efforts exhibited so far as Nigeria’s Vice President.

“Prof. Osinbajo is worth celebrating because of his remarkable achievements in the legal profession, as well as his contributions, selfless services, and sacrifices to our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.

“Vice President Osinbajo’s contributions to the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration at the federal level are commendable, considering how he is partnering and working with President Muhammadu Buhari and other critical stakeholders to steer the ship of Nigeria in the right path to deliver dividends of democracy to millions of Nigerians.

“I wish Prof. Osinbajo more years of joy and good health for continued service to the country and humanity as a whole,” he added.