*you have the capacity to deliver good governance to Nigerians, Governor Inuwa tells Osinbajo
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries, Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo visited Gombe State to canvass for support from party’s delegates and critical stakeholders.
A statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli said that on arrival to the state capital from the Gombe International Airport, the Vice President, in company of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Gombe on a homage, where he intimated the royal father of his presidential bid.
He said, “We are not allowed to play politics in the palace otherwise I would have made a long speech, I only want to let you know that on April 11, I declared my intention to join the presidential race,” he said.
The VP said with the seven years experience he garnered under President Muhammadu Buhari, a man he described as a transparent leader, he isnow well exposed to lead the country in 2023.
He said: “Serving as Vice President in the last 7 years and also Acting President at different times, in a complex and diverse country like Nigeria, has given me the necessary exposure and the experience to weather the storm, especially as Nigeria transits from one civilian administration to another. And If God enables me to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, all I have learnt will be extremely useful; So all I have come to do Your Royal Highness is to meet with delegates of our party, I will be interacting with them and explaining some of the policies and ideas that I have”.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya praised the leadership qualities of Osinbajo, saying that the VP has the capacity to deliver good governance to Nigerians.
“We are patriotic, we want this country to progress and get to the next level we want to attain.
“I can boldly say it, these people you see in traditional regalia, and on the government side, and the crowd outside are really committed to see you actualise this ambition by becoming the next president of Nigeria by God grace.
“Gombe is a home to the VP for so many reasons; looking at the dynamics and the place, the cap fits you squarely and nobody can doubt that,” he said.
In his response, the Emir, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III said the visit of the Vice President highlights the strong friendship that exists between his office and Gombe Emirate in particular and the State in general.
The Emir of Gombe noted that the successes recorded under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will not be complete without attributing same to the Vice President, especially his role as chairman of the National Economic Council.
“Your interventions in areas of economic policies, especially MSMEs, Ease of doing business and other areas have left lasting impact on our people; you have maintained a track record of excellent integrity as legal luminary, religious leader and now a politician”.
The royal father prayed God to grant the vice President success as he goes about canvassing for support in his bid to emerge as the APC presidential flag bearer.
“You have vast experience and good attributes; you have maintained a track record, we are studying your humility and grace, we appreciate you and we pray for more success in all your endeavours,” the royal father said.
The Vice President later had a closed door consultative meeting with Gombe State APC delegates at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House.
