2023 Presidency: I’ll Serve With All My Heart Given Opportunity — Osinbajo

• Says Nigerians will be better for it
• Engages Taraba, Adamawa APC delegates

BY AUSTIN AJAYI, YOLA – The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, says it will be to Nigeria’s greatest benefit if availed of the opportunity to serve as the President having garnered huge governance experience in the last seven years.

For him, Nigerians will reap immensely from his presidency that will positively contribute towards uplifting society and making life better for all citizens.

“After one has been in office as Vice President for seven (7) years, I know that God did not give me that opportunity so that I would seat down somewhere and write the history of my service as Vice President”, the Vice President said.

Speaking in continuation of his engagements with stakeholders and delegates of the ruling APC in both Taraba and Adamawa States, Prof Osinbajo said; “I want to say to our country that there is a lot of hope; this country has everything that is necessary to be great – the talents, resources and we also have the men and women who are able to serve. I am very optimistic that all will be well with our country.”

The Vice President, who is among the leading Presidential aspirants on the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s platform, was received in both States by their Governors, Darius Ishaku of Taraba and Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa as well as other senior state government functionaries and people of the two states.

In Yola, where he paid homage to the Lamido Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Mustapha on arrival in Adamawa State, Prof Osinbajo said; “My reason for aspiring for the office of the President of Nigeria is to serve the Nigerian people. I have no other reason or objective except to serve.

“It is for the purpose of serving the people, and that is why I am so determined that if God gives me the opportunity to serve, the Nigerian people would realise indeed they have done the right thing by putting me in office because I would serve the country with everything, with all my heart and commitment.”

Assuring Adamawa people of the government’s continuing efforts at tackling the country’s diverse challenges, the Vice President further said; “God doesn’t give you a challenge without showing you how to solve them. I know all the efforts we are putting in place, especially led by President Muhammadu Buhari, we will see an end to the insecurity in our country.

“I want to say to our country that there is a lot of hope; this country has everything that is necessary to be great – the talents, resources and we also have the men and women who are able to serve. I am very optimistic that all will be well with our country.”

The Vice President, who appreciated the royal father for his warm reception and prayed for his good health, said; “In the next few years, with God giving us the strength and opportunity, we will definitely see progress in our country.”

Welcoming the Vice President to his Palace, the Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Mustapha recalled the Vice President’s chieftaincy title as the Jagaba of Adamawa, saying; “I hope your coming will add more light to Adamawa State because you are the Jagaba of Adamawa.

“I hope you succeed in your efforts to become the President of this country. Your visit to my palace will encourage the people to see that you are really the Jagaba of Adamawa.”

He prayed that the Vice president successfully realize his aspiration of serving Nigeria as its president going forward.

Also speaking at the Lamido’s palace, Governor Fintiri, in welcoming the Vice President to the State, said; “We pray that God will answer your heart’s desires. I also hope that the APC delegates will see the reason to put a square peg in a square hole. I welcome you to Adamawa and I wish you the best of luck.”

Addressing the Party’s delegates in both States, Prof Osinbajo appreciated all the support offered towards his presidential bid, stressing that his aspiration is solely driven by the desire to serve and give his best in the overall interest of Nigeria.

The Vice President, who responded to questions from stakeholders on issues of national development, including security, youths, technology, agriculture, health, business and economy, education, and social investment/welfare among others, stressed the importance of visionary leadership and selfless service to the people.

According to him, “One of the very important things I want to share with delegates anywhere I go is that the role of the politician is an important one. God has given us an opportunity to serve, and that opportunity is one that we must treasure and thank God for.

“Out of so many people in the country, those of you who are here are those who have been chosen in one way or the other, appointed or elected. That position is not for our personal aggrandizement, it is to contribute to our society and make life better for our people. It is an opportunity to truly serve the people.”

Also addressing journalists following his interaction with delegates in the two North-East States, the Vice President noted with happiness the warm reception and support received from APC delegates across the States.

Prof Osinbajo told reporters in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital “We have had fruitful discussions and robust engagements, and all of it is directed at various ways, we can do good things for our country and how we can make progress. I think that the future looks very bright indeed.”

In Yola, the Adamawa state capital, the Vice President informed journalists of his excitement at fruitful engagement and useful discussions with the party members, saying; “We talked about a wide variety of issues and we are all looking forward to much more progress in our country.”

On the Vice President’s entourage during the visits to both states were some members of the National Assembly, APC stalwarts, and other leaders of the ruling party.