Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said President Muhammadu Buhari gave him a free hand to operate when the president transmitted power.
He said during his visit to Ogun State, where he met with traditional rulers, official dignitaries, leaders of thought and state delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
. Besides the interaction with the delegates at the State Capital, the VP’s other stops were in Sagamu, where he was hosted to a townhall reception at the palace of the Akarigbo, the Alake’s palace and, later in the day, at the palace of the Olu of Ilaro, all in Ogun State.
On several occasions, the VP acknowledged cheers from men, women, children, and youths – including a group of Nigerian students in Abeokuta – with many dancing and singing, while praising him and President Buhari for their good works in government.
The VP’s visit to Ogun State on Tuesday comes a day after his visit to Ondo State, where he also received a massive welcome.
The Vice President started his visit to the State with a stop at the Akarigbo’s place, where Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, welcomed him and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to a festive reception, with crowds inside and outside of the venue, singing and dancing.
He later also paid courtesy calls on the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, where he informed them of his progress in the presidential aspiration bid for 2023.
Praising the President for being open-minded and giving him opportunities in government, Prof. Osinbajo also stated that his decision to run for president was to give the best of his service and wealth of experience to the nation.
“If there was anybody who can hit the ground running, that person is me,” the VP declared.
“After I have spent seven and half years as Vice President of Nigeria and I have acted as president… the only question I should ask myself if I am called to run for office, is, who have I sworn an oath to?
“I have sworn an oath to the Federal Government of Nigeria. I’ve sworn an oath to our children and grandchildren to come, that with all of my knowledge, experience, and everything I have learnt; I will serve them.
“When it comes down to such a question, the only thing I am required to ask myself is; after all of what I’ve learnt, after all of the experience that I now have, should I deny those to this nation? If it is possible for me to serve this nation, with everything that I have, should I say no?”
The Vice President noted that governing at the highest levels in the country required some experience and training, which he had expectedly garnered in over seven years serving as President Buhari’s deputy.
He added that he had participated at both local and international levels of governance, as well as tackled sensitive issues of government, restating that “God did not provide those opportunities simply so that I’ll go and sit down and write my memoirs.”
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