By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has said that their present administration has recognized diversity of the country, especially as regards to religion, ethnicity and different ways of life, hence their resolve to govern with fairness, justice, and equity.
He said, “I believe that this is one of the reasons why it is important for us in putting ourselves forward for the position of president bearing in mind that the unity of this country is one of the most important things that we need”.
Osinbajo, who was in Bauchi on Tuesday for exchange of pleasantries with APC stakeholders, while speaking at the Emir’s palace, said that the unity of this country is very crucial to its survival.
“There is no point trying to govern a country that is not united. Our primary task is unity and security which is also very crucial; and these are issues that we are concerned with and which we are trying to deal with every day”, Osinbajo added.
He told the emir that the purpose of his visit is to inform His Royal Highness about his political intention to vie for the Presidency of the country, pay respect to the ancient palace and the emirate council of the great kingdom of Bauchi.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo recalled that he has been exposed to governance of a complex and diverse level his office has allowed him, attributable to the openness and transparency of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I have learnt a lot and I know that even during that period that I acted as President of this country, I was exposed so much to the rigors of bureaucracies and technicalities of governance during the period under review”, he said.
“Your Royal Highness, I have served as Vice President to President Muhammadu Buhari for the past seven years and with God helping us, I will see out that term till May 2023. And this will also explain why I am running for the president of this country come February 2023”.
He explained that the concern of their administration is the plight of the common man with a view to ensure that he or she is given a fair chance to be employed and to have a decent living.
According to him, It is for this reason that most of the projects being undertaken by the Buhari-led administration, especially the social investment programme (SIP) are geared to better the life of the common man, as it has also been concerned about young people.
“How we can improve, not just the quality of education of our young people, but the opportunity for young people to get jobs, to be employed and to have a decent standard of living. This is very important for us as a government”, VP concluded.
The emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu had while responding, heartedly welcomed the Vice President, saying “I believe you are in Bauchi for political activities but you still considered it necessary to visit me at this material time. This shows the love and respect you have for the traditional institution”.
Emir Rilwanu Adamu expressed the believe that power belongs to Allah and He gives it to whoever he wants, stating however that by virtue of their positions as not politicians, they can’t participate in partisan politics but only advise wisely.
Dr. Adamu said, “We pray that whatever you are here to do today in Bauchi state is fruitful. Whatever will bring unity and peace in our country is what we are after”.
Vice President, also a presidential aspirant under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was at the Hazibal Suites and Hotel where accreditation is ongoing and met party delegates in Bauchi ahead of the APC presidential primary election
Osinbajo was before visiting the emir’s palace, at the tomb of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa where he paid respect to the fallen leader.
