Amid criticisms of his association with the current administration as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says the transparency and honesty of President Muhammadu Buhari as a leader is the motivation and part of the things that have prepared him for the bigger task of leading Nigeria come 2023.
Osinbajo said given the experience of being an insider in government, he has all it takes to handle the functions and challenges linked with the nation’s highest political office.
According to him, aspiring to mount the seat as Nigeria’s President was necessitated by his commitment to offering his service to the nation as the most experienced presidential aspirant jostling to succeed President Buhari in 2023.
Prof Osinbajo, who spoke at a meeting at the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, said his interventions as the Vice President and Acting President have not only exposed him to the country’s peculiarities but ensured he is well prepared to cope with the functions and rigours of presiding over the affairs of Nigeria.
The Vice President said that availed of the opportunity as President, all efforts would be geared towards building on the existing structures and placing the country on the pedestal of sustainable development and growth.
Continuing his consultation with key stakeholders as well as All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates across the country ahead of the presidential primaries, the Vice President told the Ekiti Monarch and party’s delegates that working under President Buhari; whom he described as a transparent and honest leader, remains a treasurable experience required in the task of making Nigeria better going forward.
“I want to say that my aspiration to be president of the country is one that is informed. This is by the fact that God has given me the opportunity to offer myself for this country for the past seven years.
“Also for these years, I have served as Vice President and Acting President. I have worked under a very open and transparent President; who has given me every opportunity to understand some of the issues.
“So, having had those opportunities and when the time for people to put themselves forward to run as president; I believe it will be irresponsible of me after seven years, not to join the race.”
Flaunting his credentials as a serious aspirant to the Presidency, Prof Osinbajo said; “Among the aspirants, I am the most with the requisite experience and knowledge at the federal level, to do this job; we will hit the ground running from day one, God willing.
“The time has come for me to put myself for the task ahead; and I must add that my sole objective is to serve this country and the people; that is the reason why I am here in Ekiti to consult with the stakeholders and of course the party delegates.”
