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Tag: Osinbajo

  • Osinbajo: govt’ll deliver on new minimum wage

    Workers got good news yesterday as they marked May Day. They will get a new minimum wage soon, the Federal Government assured them during the celebration of Workers Day at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who broke the news, did not state the minimum wage. Labour is demanding N66,500 as minimum wage.

    Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, said: “It is my hope that the Tripartite Committee comprising government, labour, and the private sector, will expedite its assignment to enable the Federal Government to present an Executive Bill on a new National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly for passage into law, as soon as possible.”

    The theme for the May Day Celebration was: “Labour movement in national development: Dare to struggle, dare to win.’’

    Present were Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders and workers from unions that make up the NLC. Senate President Bukola Saraki was represented by Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra).

    Others at the event include former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a one-time NLC president and some other former labour leaders and federal lawmakers.

    The government, Osinbajo said, would stick to the Constitution in the negotiation for the new wage. Under the Constitution, only the Federal Government can negotiate wages with workers because the issue is on the Executive List. Governors have been clamouring that they be allowed to negotiate with workers what to pay them.

    Osinbajo said since the issue is on the Exclusive List, it is the Federal Government’s responsibility to establish necessary social protection floor for workers.

    He said: “The argument for a national minimum wage, therefore, cannot be faulted because minimum wage is the minimum amount of compensation an employee must receive for putting in his or her labour and as such should be anchored on the principles of social justice, equity, and fairness. We believe that those who can pay above the social protection floor are free to do so, as many have been doing in many states and sectors of the economy.

    “This administration has no intention of presiding over the dismantling of the gains organised labour secured for its members almost four decades ago.

    “This administration has remained committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian people. When we came into office at least 22 states were owing salaries, some for a whole year. If you recall in November 2015, the President said and I quote, ‘all my life I have always earned a salary, so I understand what it means when your salary is not paid or when it is not enough’.

    “Just last year, Mr. President speaking to governors visiting him again went back to the issue of salaries, ‘I don’t know how any of you can go to sleep at night knowing that your workers have not been paid’. The President’s concern for workers is not a theoretical or rhetorical one , but one borne out of experience and respect for the sweat of the working classes.

    “This is why we evolved mechanisms to bail out all the 36 states of the federation, to the tune of N1.91 trillion, in recognition of the shortfalls in their finances arising from the oil shocks of 2015/2016. We have extended this support regardless of party affiliation, to enable them settle the backlog of arrears of salaries and pensions of workers.

    “At the inauguration of the National Economic Council in 2015, President Buhari publicly declared that our administration will extend support to every state, because poverty is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation.

    “While we do recognise that payment of salaries and pensions is essential; we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage has rendered the minimum wage Instrument obsolete. Accordingly, President Buhari inaugurated, on November 27, 2017, a Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee to renegotiate the National Minimum Wage for our workers”.

    Labour, Osinbajo noted, has always been in the forefront of the push for a better Nigeria, starting from the struggles for independence; right through to the clamour for the restoration of the democratic order, and, in the last 19 years, for the sustenance of the freedoms guaranteed by our democracy.

    “I must also say that Nigerian organised labour has contributed actively towards helping Nigeria get out, in record time, of an economic recession arising from past economic mismanagement.

    He said: “It is regrettable that despite the enormous revenues Nigeria earned from oil in recent past, we still have problems with payment of salaries and pensions of workers due to mismanagement and corruption. I assure you that under our administration, we will ensure that we expend every kobo of public funds towards securing the welfare of all Nigerians”.

    On the country’s security challenges, the vice president said the government was “determined to secure the country more than ever before.

    “To this end, Mr President and the security council have been engaging in rigorous stock taking with a view to restructuring our security architecture to meet the challenges of the mindless killings in some parts of the country including marauding herdsmen, cattle rustlers and bandits.

    “It is our duty to secure the rights of farmers, and all citizens and to ensure that herders also can rear cattle in well-resourced ranches. But there are also criminals who want to stoke religious and ethnic crises. What is the explanation for anyone to go into a church to kill priests and worshippers?

    “We recognise that while the protection of lives and property is a primary responsibility of government; it is also incumbent on the citizens to share in this responsibility, as security is a collective responsibility.

    “Our country is great because of the talents of our people, from every tribe, tongue, and religion. Our diversities are our strength. We must reject every attempt to divide us, our focus must be on developing our economy,  providing opportunities in industry, manufacturing, technology for our young people.”

    NLC President Ayuba Wabba urged the government to improve on security intelligence across the nation.

    He said the unemployment rate had increased to 18.80 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 from 16.20 per cent in the second quarter of 2017.

    According to him, the crisis of widening unemployment has been exacerbated by indiscriminate sack and retrenchment of workers by some public and private employers.

    “Unfortunately, the different levels of government that should be more concerned about protecting our people are the ones leading the campaign to push more Nigerians into the unemployment market.

    “That is why unemployment has remained high with an alarming proportion of our youth jobless.

    “The few that have a semblance of employment operate under very precarious conditions denoted by job insecurity, poor work conditions and gender discrimination.

    “The trend of factory closures has continued to spiral out of control turning our once lively centres of economic productivity into worship and entertainment centres”, he said.

    The NLC president said the increasing rate of unemployment has led to escalating poverty.

    More than 70 per cent of the population, he said, lived below the poverty line.

    “In fact, a number of international economic reports forecast that despite the significant difference in our population size, Nigeria may soon overtake India as the poverty capital of the world.

    “The reasons for endemic poverty in Nigeria are not far-fetched. Our economic structure does not provide the enabling space for mass industrialisation imbued with the capacity for sustainable jobs.

    “Our public policies and consumption pattern still encourage the export of jobs and the import of poverty,” he added.

    Wabba said industrialisation was a key driver of sustainable jobs and development for national economies and the foundation of good living standards.

    The NLC president noted that millions of youth joined the labour market annually without jobs, making them voluntary slaves to Europe and America.

    He said only the industry can provide sustainable jobs, living wages and necessary revenues for government to provide the needed infrastructure for development.

    For Nigeria to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, especially SDG 9 dealing with industry and innovation, he said it must urgently innovate, revive closed textile, steel and engineering mills.

    “We must industrialise. We must copy China’s industrialisation drive which has within 20 years moved over 250 million people out of poverty through manufacturing and industrialisation.

    “We must stop exporting raw cottons, crude oil, mineral resources only to be importing finished textile, petroleum products from China, Europe and America.

    “Nigeria must make what it consumes, otherwise it will be consumed by the rest of the world, ‘’Wabba said.

    He hailed the Federal Government for refusing to succumb to the Economic Partnership Agreement, noting the cautious approach of the government to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

    “The NLC is delighted that a broad and an inclusive group has been constituted to re-examine the contents of the CFTA in the overall interest of Nigerians”, he added.

    Wabba asked the government to invest in energy mix of hydro, solar and nuclear to drive industrialisation.

    He added: “We wish to call for a reduction of tariff duties on solar panels and other solar products instead of the recent increase in these duties.

    TUC President Bobboi Kaigama urged the government to implement the National Automotive Policy initiative.

    Kaigama said if the automobile sector works, it will contribute meaningfully to the economy in terms of job creation.

     

  • Osinbajo lauds entertainers for job creation

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has praised Nigerian entertainers for their creativity and job creation.

    He spoke at The Platform, a programme organised by The Covenant Place which had as its theme, ‘Get Involved.’

    At the event which held in Iganmu, Lagos, Osinbajo said the task of nation-building is unending.

    “The builders confront new problems every day,” he said.

    “Today, we are confronted with the remnants of Boko Haram, the farmer/herdsman clashes with the potential of ethnoreligious conflict. And we have to feed ourselves, we provide millions of new jobs as everyday, more people are added to the population. The job of the builder is not to complain.”

    Earlier in his speech, the Vice President recognized the creative talents of the entertainment sector and gave kudos to the likes of Don Jazzy of Mavin Records, Banky W, Olamide, Davido, Elenu, Tiwa Savage, and Mo Abudu among others, for putting Nigeria on the global entertainment map. He also praised Jason Njoku of Iroko TV who created an online streaming portal that showcased Nollywood to the world.

    Speaking on the way out, Osinbajo said the solution lies in building the Nigerian bridge.

    “It is one that would be built on the strongest materials of all – our will to excel as Nigerians, our commitment to build a new society, men and women of a new Nigerian tribe.”

    The VP rounded off his speech by giving ‘accolades’ to hardworking Nigerians to which he received a thunderous applause from the crowd.

  • Osinbajo for Akure MSMEs launch

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will on Thursday visit Akure, the Ondo State capital, for the inauguration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clinic.

    It is an initiative of the Office of the Vice-President in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as 11 other federal agencies.

    The clinic was launched last year by the vice-president to create wealth and reduce poverty.

    A similar programme has been held in Aba, Ilorin, Sokoto, Jos, Katsina and Calabar with over 8,000 MSMEs benefiting.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Olubunmi Ademosu, said yesterday at a news conference that the programme will start on Wednesday, while the vice-president is expected in the state on Thursday for the inauguration.

    She said Ondo State government had put in place structures and processes that would ensure the success of the programme, adding that the state was targeting about 10,000 beneficiaries.

    Commerce and Industry Commissioner Mr. Timehin Adelegbe said the implementation of the programme was timely.

    He said: “It is coming at a period the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu administration is intensifying efforts at creating an enabling and conducive environment for small scale businessmen.”

  • Osinbajo decries religious killings

    •Deeper Life Bible Church inaugurates new auditorium

    VICE President Yemi Osinbajo has decried killings of clerics as well as bombings of mosques and churches, saying it was the highest level of wickedness.

    He spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the new auditorium of the Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos State.

    The church also unveiled its new logo.

    The event was witnessed by dignitaries and clerics from Nigeria, Africa, Europe and the United States (U.S.).

    The 30,000-seat capacity ultra-modern auditorium has a big mainbowl consisting of a four-storey amphitheater with central air-conditioning units, chiller farm and air handling units, among other things.

    According to Osinbajo, the right to freedom of worship is also a right to build the church.

    He said it was devilish for anyone to kill in a place of worship, noting that the killings going on in the name of herdsmen or Boko Haram were a ploy by the devil to cause religious war in Nigeria.

    He said Christians must not lose focus, but do more in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “Nobody can stop the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is building His church and the gate of hell cannot prevail against the church,” he said.

    He urged the church to pray for the nation and the government, saying that running a government is like a spiritual warfare.

    “It is the duty of the church, as we are to pray for those in government because governance is a spiritual warfare. If anyone does not know that, I know. I ask the church to pray for every one of us in the position of authority in this land.

    “We are called to bring men and women to salvation, even those who kill. The enemy wants us to stand on our pulpits and preach hate but we will obey the Lord Jesus Christ, who said we must love our enemy and pray even for those who persecute us. There is no person born or yet to be born that can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “I see this great place being dedicated for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and worship of the saints. There will be peace in this place. The time for the return of Jesus Christ is near and we must propagate the gospel.”

    Osinbajo hailed the Deeper Life Bible Church for the new auditorium, describing it as a building with modern technology and well-equipped facilities.

    The Vice President noted that the surroundings were investments in the community with the connecting bridge, street lights and improved access roads.

    He lauded the General Superintendent of the Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his humility and commitment to spread the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, described the project as an achievement, a labour of sacrifice over the years, adding that it is one to be proud of.

    He hailed the Church for the multi-level car park and bridge constructed in the community, adding that the church has  impacted positively on the state as a mega city.

    “Let me reassure every one of our commitment to ensure  harmonious relationship among all residents in the state. We will continue to uphold and respect the rights of every citizen to freedom of worship and ensure that other people’s rights are not infringed upon.”

    Kumuyi, who said the edifice was due to many sacrifices of the church members within and outside the country, prayed God to continue to reward and bless His people.

    He thanked the Lagos State Government and residents of Gbagada for their support, adding that the church was mindful of its social responsibilities to the community.

    He urged the gathering that as Christ lives in them, they should also express the Christ in them.

     

     

     

    “The ways of God are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” the cleric said.

     

     

     

  • Why corrupt people dominate political space, by Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo lamented yesterday the excessive influence of money in politics such that people with questionable wealth dominate the political space.

    He said based on this, “corrupt people kept coming into office because they have the resources.

    “These are the kind of people we have in elective offices; so, we need to raise the bar so as to get performance and competence.’’ he said.

    He spoke during a visit by a delegation of Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement to the Presidential Villa.

    Osinbajo challenged youths to brace for political leadership in the years ahead.

    He urged youths to challenge themselves with the big issues bedevilling the nation, and said that one critical issue to address was corruption.

    The vice president said that people stole the nation’s money with impunity and short-changed citizens.

    “Our budget is N7 trillion and if someone steals N1trillion, how do we quantify it? If we don’t have serious advocacy around corruption, we are always going to be short-changed in the nation.’’

    He said that youths needed to be ready for political offices they intended to occupy, pointing out that leadership positions were not automatic.

    “It is true that young people are participating in every sphere of the economy and they are doing well, but they ended up there through one process of training or the other.

    “Just like you have to train before you can become a pilot, so it is for politics.

    “I think that whatever age a person chooses to run should not matter; what should matter is the preparedness of the person because elective positions require some skills.

    “Most times people train to acquire other skills but not politics; that’s the way of democracy.’’

    Osinbajo said that there was need for youths to move up the ladder of leadership to prepare themselves for politics.

    He recalled that he served as a special adviser at the age of 30 and had been involved in pressure group actives before he became an Attorney-General and then, Vice President.

    He said that it was important for youths to have that kind of experience, adding that Nigeria did not need people who will just muzzle their way into positions.

    The vice president said that issues of governance needed to be planned deliberately as making women to participate in politics and issues of girl-child needed to be taken seriously and addressed.

    According to him, this is because half of the women that should be participating in politics did not have the know-how.

    He added that there was also supposed to be plans for education to make the young people stand and grow politically.

    He said that in a developing economy like Nigeria, there was need to set the bar about competence and that the onus lay with the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement.

    He urged the youths to join political parties, be involved in politics and pressure groups so that the nation could achieve development through youth’s collaboration.

    Osinbajo said “that way, youths will be able to carry the cause and address the bigger issues that affect the country’’.

    Leader of delegation Samson Itodo, said that the campaign for the youths was a movement led by young people that would like to contribute to national development.

    Itodo, who is one of the conveners of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement, said that one of the reasons for the movement was inclusion of youths in governance, because democracy lost its vitality without inclusion.

    He said that there was also need for inter-generational dialogue between the youths and the elders to create a platform where young people could interface with elders.

    Itodo called for enhancement of quality of the electoral process so as to increase competition among all strata.

    He called for an open political system that would accommodate young people, adding that it was a good thing that the National Assembly passed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill and appealed to the vice president to support the bill and expressed optimism that President Mohammadu Buhari would ascent to the bill when transmitted to him.

  • Ekweremadu briefs Osinbajo on Senate invasion

    The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday briefed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the forceful removal of the Senate mace by some hoodlums.

    He was accompanied to the vice president’s office by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

    Ekweremadu told State House Correspondent that the briefing was aimed at preventing future occurrence of such act in the legislature.

    According to him, when such incidents occur it is imperative that the leadership of the National Assembly briefs the Presidency immediately.

    He added that since the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was out of the country, he had to brief Osinbajo as President Muhammadu Buhari was attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in the United Kingdom.

    “I came to brief the vice president to ensure that there is law and order in the country.

    “When there is this type of development it is important that he is briefed at the earliest opportunity.

    “The Senate President is out of the country, so it is my responsibility to come and brief the vice president.

    “And he has sympathized with us over what happened and he is going to join forces with us to ensure that we get to the root of the matter and make sure this does not happen again,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • Osinbajo presides over FEC meeting

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is presently in the United Kingdom for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

    There were 18 ministers in the Council Chamber when Osinbajo arrived the hall at 11:02 a.m.

    The ministers in the Council Chamber during the opening rendition of the National anthem were Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Others were – Zainab Ahmed (Minister of State, Budget and National Planning), Chris Ngige (Labour), Stephen Ocheni (Minister of State, Labour), Adebayo Shittu (Communication), Adamu Adamu (Education), Anthony Onwuka (Minister of State, Education) and Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State, Agriculture).

    Also at the meeting were – Usani Uguru Usani (Niger Delta Affairs), Omole Daramola (Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs), Osagie Ehinare (Minister of State, Health), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Bawa Bwari (Minister of State, Mines and Steel) Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Hadi Sirika (Minister of State, Aviation) and Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Minister of State, Power).

     

  • Osinbajo: Innovation key to economic growth

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday said Nigeria’s greatness, economic growth and quest for lasting happiness for the citizens could be achieved through innovation and integrity.

    He added that no nation desirous of greatness should substitute innovation for anything else.

    Osinbajo, who spoke during his visit to Africa Fintech Foundry, founded by Access Bank, commended the  bank for its leadership role in technology advancement in the country.

    He urged the lender not to rest on its oars but continue to play leadership role in extending banking services to rural areas using technology.

    According to him, the Federal Government would strike partnership deal with the private sector and innovators to increase the level of innovation coming from the country. He stresed the need to invest in the technology sector as the economy expands.

    He urged the youths to think deeply and start doing things creatively. He stressed the need for them to also put integrity in at the forefront of their dealings.

    “Innovation is the future of Nigeria. We must combine it with integrity if we must move our country forward. I have been to Andela, Farmcrowdy and others and have seen what the youths are capable of doing; they are just fantastic. We must create the environment for them to thrive. Innovation will be the toast of our nation in the future,” he said.

    Osinbajo lamented that the country had suffered immensely from the erosion of integrity, saying what “what has happened in the last few years shows that we can actually change and we are changing. There are people of integrity in Nigeria, we need to build that trust and show it to people outside.”

    He said the Federal Government is building technology hubs in six varsities across the country, saying that the project has started with the University of Lagos.

    According him, the initiative would enable the country to discover more talents.

    Welcoming the Prof Osinbajo, the Chairman of Access Bank, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, described financial technology (FinTech) as process designed to provide financial services with technology.

    She said Access Bank is aligned with global best practices and doing a lot to ensure that it promotes innovation and creativity.

    According to her, access to financial services is an enabler of economic development, which will assist the underserved and unserved Nigerians.

    The lender’s Executive Director, Information and Technology and Operations, Ade Bajomo, said Access Bank is at the fore front of innovation in the country because it recognises that things are moving fast and that the banking sector will be disrupted. He said the bank is prepared to partner with the Federal Government to develop small medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

  • Osinbajo: Loyal to the core

    To many analysts, the position of vice-president is more of a spare tyre than the high political office it is. But, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has endowed the seat with visibility and honour. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the activities of the loyal deputy and the cordial relations between him and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Since the Second Republic, Nigeria has produced five vice-presidents – Dr. Alex Ekwueme (1979-1983), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (1999-2007), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (2007-2009), Namadi Sambo (2009-2015) and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) (2015 till date). However, observers agree that Osinbajo, legal scholar, priest and technocrat, is a deputy with a difference.

    He has two main priorities in government. The mess of 16 years created by the Peoples Democratic Party PDP) should be successfully cleared. Also, Nigerians should team up with President Muhammadu Buhari to lay a new foundation of national prosperity and progress. The message on the lip of Osinbajo is that Nigeria will surely recover.

    In the last three years, the dynamic, hardworking and loyal vice-president has been assisting President Muhammadu Buhari in the task of navigating the ship of state. The former university don and Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is more than a spare tyre. At his disposal are the weapons of incisive wit, knowledge of the economic problems, understanding of the heterogenous country and sense of patriotism. In recent times, he has become the administration’s anti-corruption curator. The president and vice president are on the same page in the anti-graft war. The anti-graft battle is becoming increasingly challenging as corruption is fighting back. But, he is confident that corruption will not eventually kill Nigeria because the progressive administration will not allow it.

    “When you fight corruption the way we re fighting it, corruption is going to fight back. But, we are determined,” Osinbajo said during the 10th Bola Tinubu Colliqouiun in Lagos.

    For Osinbajo, governance is not business as usual. Good governance is not a tea party. The challenges are being tackled. Yet, new ones are staring the country in the face. President Buhari made four promises-economic revival, security, anti-corruption war and job creation. To Osinbajo, government has been steady in fulfilling these cardinal promises, despite the constraints. The government has alleged that trillions of naira were stolen by privileged functionaries under the past administration. If the resources are available, Osinbajo said much burden would have been alleviated. The stolen funds would have been creatively used for people-oriented projects across the six geo-political zones.

    The vice president has lamented that when the country was making huge money from crude oil, less was achieved, compared to the when the price of oil has crashed in the international market and activities of vandals in the Niger Delta have crippled production. He has urged the bewildered country to take solace in the fact that  there is a lot to show for prudent spending under the Buhari administration.

    Irked by the fetival of looting, the vice president said that there is no country in the world that will allow its resources to be plundered and still expect its economy to be economically viable. “Corruption is an existential problem for Nigeria. From all I have seen in government in the past three years, the corruption of the previous five years is what destroyed the Nigerian economy, ” he added.

    The vice president’s style of engagement has brought government closer to the people. He has maintained a constant and consisted communication channel with Nigerians, who are nevertheless impatient about the prospect of economic recovery. For example, his visit to the Niger Delta has doused a measure of tension. Today, government is being applauded for the Ogoni Clean-Up, the setting up the Maritime University and modular refineries. He is also the coordinator of the working group trying to tackling the farmers/herdsmen crises. Government is busy fighting the infrastructure battle. Through the programe of economic diversification, increased funding for agriculture has led to job creation. Government is not relenting in fixing the power and rail sectors.

    As the coordinator of some of the economic activities designed to alleviate the suffering of the masses, Osinbajo has lived up to expectation. Through proactive economic reforms, Nigeria has now achieved a leap in terms of ease of doing business. Also, concrete achievements have been recorded in the area of reviving the small and medium scale enterprises through financial aids. Human capital development is a priority of the Buhari administration. In this area, Osinbajo is a driver of change. The safe school project and other initiatives driven by HEVP have received commendations from stakeholders.

    Many factors aided the choice of Osinbajo as the running mate to Gen. Buhari in 2015. But, the greatest factors are his competence, integrity, ability to deputise without undermining or subverting his principal, integrity, impeccable character and his antecedent as Nigerian with a national outlook. As the deputy president, he has not allowed power to use him. The proof of his loyalty end exemplary leadership came into fore when the president was on a medical trip abroad for over 100 days. Osinbajo held the country as one united and indivisible entity, thereby earning the appreciation of his boss.

    He had emerged as the vice presidential flag bearer, not from the point of view of being an Ogun State indigene or a former Justice Commissioner in Lagos State. He became the running mate on the strength of the convincing argument that Buhari needed a decent, loyal and hardworking Christian Nigerian from the Southwest to meet the inevitable and non-negotiable criterion of the ethnic-religious divide.

    His nomination was received with jubilations, not only in the Southwest region, but across the federation. But, in particular, the nomination has implications for the Southwest. It marked the beginning of a synergy between the larger North and the politically conscious and economically developed Southwest. Since 2007, the Southwest had been complaining about marginalisation. Thus, Osinbajo’s nomination promptly restored a sense of belonging to the six states. On account of the Buhari/Osinbajo joint ticket, the region became more committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda for change in 2015. Also, across the 36 states, the elite gravitated towards the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket. Both men were perceived to be tested, trusted and courageous, in terms of devotion to public good.

    Both Buhari and Osinbajo paraded intimidating credentials. At 73, the former military leader was on the soap box in 2015. With the 56s year-old Osinbajo beside him, the joint ticket was a blend of old age and youthfulness. Buhari, a committed Muslim from the North, and Osinbajo, a Christian cleric from the Southwest, were strengthened in their determination to challenge PDP President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the Southsouth, and his deputy, Vice President Namandi Sambo, a Muslim from the North, to a duel. There was parity as far as ethnic and religious factors, which politicians have successfully incorporated into contemporary politics, were concerned. The line of demarcation wass the differential qualities of the APC and the PDP tickets. Therefore, Nigerians took Buhari and Osinbajo seriously.

    Buhari stood for honour and discipline as a leader. He is simply incorruptible. Osinbajo has been committed to the strengthening of democracy through his judicial reforms as Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner. He is an advocate of the protection of the temple of justice from the vulgarities of political life and societal vices.

    Buhari/Osinbajo ticket in 2015 represented a rare Muslim/Christian ticket. It dwarfed the Jonathan/Sambo Christian/Muslim ticket, owing to the complaints about the 16 years of looting, misrule and boredom. The battle for Christian votes was be interesting. Apart from legal advocacy, the church is also Osinbajo’s constituency. The charming and charismatic lawyer is not a nominal Christian. He has a mass appeal in the Christendom as an exemplary preacher and doer of the word. Like Buhari, Osinbajo is morally predictable and excellent.

    From 1999, Osinbajo has been a loyal, dependable and silent labourer in the progressive vineyard. His legal counsels, administrative acumen, uncanny capacity for research, understanding of the workings of government and sense of calmness and balance have been acknowledged by the academia, the bar, the bench, the government and the political class he has served with his best of ability,

    Many believe that Osinbajo came into limelight, following his appointment as the Attorney-General and Commissioner. But, he has been around for a longer period. Ubder the Babangida administration, he was a Special Assistant to the Federal Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola. As a university teacher, he has taught promising Nigerians from the six geo-political zones, who still perceive him as a mentor and role model. As a university don at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo and the University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG), he was a great scholar. His intellectual stature reflects in his teachings, rigorous research and seminal contributions. The diminutive scholar is a six feet of intelligence. The orator is good in debate. But, he always avoided scandals. When LASU was engulfed with protracted crises, which threatened a peaceful atmosphere for teaching and research, he refused to take sides in the divisive and highly destabilising crises. Osinbajo retraced his steps to UNILAG.

    As a lawyer, Osinbajo was not in the mould of luminaries who indulged in trivialities. He is a thorough prosecution lawyer, who does not indulge in the politicisation of sensitive cases to make a political capital out of litigation. He has often shunned financial inducement by unscrupulous elements  to subvert the state in litigations involving the government and enemies of progress.

    His assets are the power of ideas and imagination, organisational acumen, and steady inclination towards reforms. Brilliant, professionally assertive, focused, and loyal worthy causes, Osinbajo had hidden talents, which were unraveled  by his involvement in politics and governance in the past. Many believe that he had added value to the progressive administration at the centre.

    In fact, Buhari and Osinbajo share common traits and ideas about how a developing country should be run by visionary leaders. Osinbajo’s thoroughness, modesty, aversion for graft, belief in the role of law in human development and passion for people’s welfarehave made him and Buhari a perfect match. The law profesor is averse to primitive accumulation. It is indeed a mark of humility that, despite his achievements as a scholar, legal luminary and priest, Osinbajo has kept a low profile. Like Buhari, his public service career has been devoid of scandal.  His colleagues inthe Federal Executive Council have descr5ibed him as a man of impeccable character, honesty, discipline and integrity.

    These may be the reason both the president and his deputy have been partners in progress. Unlike the Obasanjo administration, there is no acrimonious relationship between the President and the Vice President. Since the duo do not have skeletons in their cupboards, and they are not in government to enrich themselves, Nigeria have been better for it.

    But, it is not yet uhuru. The president and his deputy still have a lot to do in the area of security. More should be done to build on the past achievements. Also, the economy is still recovering at a snail-like speed. According to observers, if there is improved security and the economy is revived, Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief.

     

  • Osinbajo, House at war over N2.5b fraud

    •Presidency uncovers plot to frame Vice President
    •VP may not appear before House ad hoc panel

    The Presidency is not taking kindly to a recent invitation by the House of Representatives to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to appear before an ad hoc committee.

    The Ali Isa-led committee wants Osinbajo to appear before it on why six directors of NEMA, who were implicated in a N2.5billion fraud, were suspended.

    The Presidency, The Nation gathered last night, considers the invitation an affront to its anti-corruption campaign and a plot to frame up Osinbajo ahead of the 2019 polls.

    Sources hinted that Osinbajo may not appear before the House Ad Hoc Committee.

    The VP statutorily heads the Governing Board of NEMA which, about a week ago, suspended six directors of the agency following a report from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The affected directors are the Director of Finance and Accounts, Akinbola Hakeem Gbolahan; Ag. Director, Special Duties, Mr. Umesi Emenike;  Director, Risk Reduction, Mallam Alhassan Nuhu; Pilot in-charge Air Ambulance and Aviation Unit, Mr. Mamman Ali Ibrahim; the Chief Maintenance Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Yunusa Deji; and the Director of Welfare, Mr. Kanar Mohammed.

    An investigation by The Nation revealed that the Presidency was shocked by the decision of the committee to summon the Vice President over the suspension of the directors.

    It suspects that the move could be a smokescreen to frame him up ahead of next year’s polls.

    “The Presidency felt slighted by the attitude of the Ad Hoc committee to the Vice President when it is obvious that the suspension of the directors was based on an investigation conducted by the EFCC,” a well placed source said.

    “It is more irritating to the government that the suspended employees went to report their employer (the Board of NEMA) to the Ad Hoc Committee of the House.

    “The Presidency sees the directors’ action as an attempt to use the House to cover up their tracks. This is a case of corruption fighting back.

    “This is the same VP that has been in the vanguard of smothering the fragile relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

    “Ordinarily, the VP enjoys constitutional immunity and if there was no more to the issue, the Ad Hoc Committee should not have summoned Osinbajo.”

    The government source said the VP might not appear before the Ad Hoc Committee because a pre-determined agenda is being suspected by the presidency.

    “There is a strong suspicion that some forces are hell bent to rubbish the Vice President ahead of 2019 polls,” the source said.

    “The VP personally felt slighted from the security reports available to him.”

    The EFCC had submitted a March 1, 2018 report on alleged fraud in NEMA to the Vice President.

    According to the EFCC, the  investigation bordered on “alleged case of conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation and diversion of public funds reported to the office of the Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria against the former Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)  and others forwarded to the commission for discreet investigation.”

    Some of the alleged sharp practices uncovered by the EFCC are:

    • Whereabouts of N166m out of N285m realized from the commercialization of NEMA’s air ambulance;
    • Alleged short-change of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with N354, 900, 105. 24
    • N238million NEMA cash placed in Fixed Deposit by a director
    • Interest on Fixed Deposit diverted single-handedly by a director
    • Some directors have about 5 to 20 accounts
    • NEMA funds moved into personal accounts of directors
    • Frivolous emoluments claims that were wrongly processed by Directors and some officials of the agency.
    • About N66m out of N280m meant for displaced traditional rulers in the Northeast still unaccounted for
    • Curious deposit of suspicious funds into domiciliary accounts of top directors

    The report says in part: “From the investigation carried out so far, officials could not account for funds transferred from NEMA account to their personal accounts.

    “Moreover, the funds were being withdrawn in cash and in some cases transferred to family members. Also, it was discovered that some of these funds were placed in fixed deposit; while both the principal and interest were withdrawn in cash by the depositor.

    “Furthermore, the issue of companies incorporated by the officials of NEMA who are Public Servants is against the Public Service Rules. This is more so as the companies are active and still receiving funds in some cases from NEMA.

    “There were frivolous emoluments claims that were wrongly processed by Directors and some officials of the agency.

    “Against this background, EFCC is of the opinion that placing the officials involved under suspension will assist the successful completion of our investigation. “ This is the only way the commission can have unfettered access to all the necessary documents that will aid our investigation. It is therefore recommended that the Officials who are already indicted in the case be placed on suspension pending the conclusion of the investigation.

    “”The aspect of fake IDP camps and relief materials are still being investigated.  Investigation is still on-going and further developments will be communicated.”