₦airaland Forum

The damage this calumny campaign against Osinbajo has done to the Tinubu's team is unimaginable; it will not be estimated now. It is an arrow shot too deep into the soul of Tinubu's agelong supporters and acclaimed political associates. Like fowls, they have now become aware of their value as only being groomed for their 'rearer's' political pot. They were not to be their own man, have their own life or aspire to fulfill their own destiny.
They had the opportunity of selling the potentials of Asiwaju, but by laying claims to this pathetic entitlement narrative, they have inadvertently reduced the man - BAT to a clannish, self-centred political investor whose lifelong ambition was the underlying motive for 'helping' others to realize his future political fortune and a debt they were to return in favour and servitude.
Added to that, BAT is now seen as undemocratic, one whose personal ambition can only be realized when the constitutional and democratic rights of others are seamlessly violated.
They miss it!

PROFESSOR OLUYEMI OLULEKE OSINBAJO REPLIED NAYSAYERS AND PURVEYORS OF LIES IN ABEOKUTA ON TUESDAY, 26TH APRIL, 2022:

“There is no one out of those I’ve served under, for instance, I’ve served under Prince Bola Ajibola, when he was Attorney General, I was one of those four Advisers. I want to say that everyone of those people I have served was in their most difficult moment. I am not talking about when everything is going well, but in their most difficult moments, moment even when their jobs were threatened and sometimes even when their lives were threatened, I was always with them. “Sometimes, I was the only one standing with them, I cannot go into details for confidentiality reason, but that is the truth. Not one of them can in truth say I have not stood with them in their most difficult moments. Today, all that I am required to do, is to offer that same service, the same level of loyalty and humility to my nation, Nigeria, our generation and the generation coming.”

It was a joyous reception in Ogun State today 26th April 2022 as VP Yemi Osinbajo visits.
#OsinbajoInOgun #OsinbajoIsMyChoice #Osinbajonated

Jubilation in Ogun State has Osinbajo visits

BEING VP FOR SEVEN YEARS IS LIKE A TRAINING TO BE PRESIDENT, OSINBAJO SAYS IN ONDO STATE

*VP adds: My experience will be used to serve Nigeria with all sincerity, transparency

*Deji of Akure to VP: “If it were to be advanced country, in all of the APC, nobody would run, they would just support you”

*Afenifere leader, Fasoranti prays for success of Osinbajo's presidential aspiration

Being Vice President, and at some point, Acting President, and the invaluable experience acquired over the past seven years is like a training to be President, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, while on a visit to Ondo State. The monarch prayed for the VP’s success in attaining his objective, noting that, “had it been it were in advanced countries, in all of the APC, nobody would run (for president), they would all just support you.”

Speaking on the motivation to run for the office of the President, the Vice President said “as we approach the coming elections, it is a time also for us to reflect on the type of leadership that we want for our country.

“I have served for the past seven years as the Vice President of Nigeria, and I have also acted within that period when the President was away. I think that I am fortunate, and we are fortunate to have been given tremendous opportunities to serve, also even when I acted (as President).

“In that capacity, I am probably the only person trained to be (in that duration), because if you have been a Vice President and also as Acting President, then you have been trained, and I must say with utmost humility - that that is exactly how I feel.”

Continuing, he said “I feel that with what God has given me within the past seven and half years, I must be able to give to my country. People die for this country every day; there are young men and women, soldiers who die for this country every day. That is the greatest act of loyalty that one can have for one’s country. Those of us whom God has given some opportunities to serve must be prepared to offer that service whenever we are called upon to do so.

“Which is why I declared my intention to run for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I want to say that I am grateful to God; and I am grateful to you for all your support, advice and counseling in the past.”

The Vice President spoke earlier during a meeting in Akure with the Ondo State Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, members of the State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members and the APC leaders in Ondo State.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that he was privileged to serve in different capacities, and undertake major responsibilities as VP and Acting President because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s generosity and open-mindedness towards him.

“In those capacities as VP and acting president in particular, I got to know so many things that many people would never have ever have come across, and I gained a lot of experience on that account. Now, the opportunity has come,” Prof. Osinbajo stated.

According to the VP, it would be a disservice to the nation on his part to not utilize the wealth of experience he has garnered over the years to further serve the nation in the highest capacity.

“With the experience I have, with all the contacts and connections that I have made, nationally and internationally, I think that it would be a betrayal to our country, to our nation… with all that has been given to me by the grace of God, with all of my experience, to say that, oh, I will now retire quietly either to Lagos or Ikenne, and go and be writing my memoirs; it would be a grave injustice to our country.

"That is why I decided to pour my heart into it, and ensure that I make up this case for the position of president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I believe that with God helping, if God gives us the opportunity, and the will of the people also, that will be the case, God will make it happen; I will have the opportunity to give this nation the very best that I can give, with all of our hearts, in everything that we can, with sincerity, openness and transparency. That is the desire of my heart.”

While welcoming the VP, Governor Akeredolu recalled that the emergence of Prof. Osinbajo in 2014 as APC Vice Presidential candidate was purely a divine thing adding that it is God who ultimately decides who gets what position. He disclosed that the VP and himself had been friends and colleagues for a long while before politics.

At the Palace, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, extolled the qualities of the VP noting that “we love you and appreciate you and whatever you do, we support you.”

“In whatever you do, we wish you good luck. God will continue to strengthen you; your going and coming would be by the mercy of God. We appreciate you for coming.”

While in the State, the Vice President also paid a visit to one of Afenifere’s respected leaders, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, where he received the blessings of the revered Yoruba leader for his aspiration to become President of Nigeria.

Pa Fasoranti noted, “I wish the project a success, as you go about, may you continue to find favour with people and at the end of the day, we shall say, congratulations”.

The VP thanked the Yoruba leader for his contributions to the development of the country, noting that “your counsel and guidance have always been extremely useful and treasured by all of us. Those of us in politics and government particularly find your counsel very useful; and we know you have a heart, not just for the Yorubas or the citizens of Ondo State, but for our whole country.”

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
26th April, 2022

10 Osinbajo Myths Debunked

I have read many people share their opinions on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari. As if writing from a script, they appear to echo the same myth about Osinbajo's time in office as Vice President and of course, conveniently excluding his time as Acting President.

Just for posterity’s sake, I have dedicated this piece to debunk these claims with verifiable news links.

1. That when herdsmen overran the Southwest he was quiet: Not only did he arrange for the Southwest Obas to meet with the President, he has also spoken severally and vehemently on the subject matter.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/256011-herdsmen-farmers-violence-osinbajo-leads-nine-governors-find-solutions.html


2. Then there are those who claim that he never spoke on the border closure. Again, this can only come from an ignorant fellow because he did speak on it at many fora, pleading with Nigerians and stating that the closure was not a permanent development.

https://guardian.ng/news/border-closure-not-permanent-policy-says-osinbajo/


3. What about the proponents of Yoruba Nation and Sunday Igboho? They claim he did not speak for or against but there are others within the same faction who credit Igboho's release to Osinbajo. To the best of my knowledge, the man is given to One Nigeria where everyone has equal rights and can succeed without ethnic, religious or social class barriers.

https://guardian.ng/news/osinbajo-sues-for-national-unity/


4. Rule of Law: He has spoken at too many occasions on this subject matter and as Acting President also embodied it. This is evident in Onnoghen's appointment, the termination of Lawal Daura’s appointment as DG of the DSS and even Nnamdi Kanu being granted bail after many months of detention without trial.

https://punchng.com/justice-belongs-to-nigerians-we-are-only-stewards-osinbajo-tells-sans/


5. One Fela Castro wrote that the Vice President never said anything positive about Nigerian youths. The first question that came to mind was, does he know what Google is? Osinbajo has on many occasions touted and boasted about the ability of Nigerian youths, referring to them as “our most valuable assets”.

https://www.thecable.ng/osinbajo-youths-are-our-most-valuable-assets-they-must-be-supported-in-every-way


6. Then there is the claim that he just looked on during the ASUU strike. Is this one ignorance or sheer beef? Even when doctors went on strike, he was mediating to end it and it was not paraded in the media for clout until the President of NARD himself mentioned it on TV.

https://guardian.ng/news/osinbajo-takes-over-fgs-team-in-talks-with-ASUU/

https://tribuneonlineng.com/doctors-strike-we-trust-osinbajos-judgement-nard/


7. That same Fela Castro claimed that Osinbajo did not speak when PMS was increased from N87 to 212. Let me make something clear, the VP is not a spokesperson, he is the VP and he has his job functions.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/253582-weve-no-plans-increase-fuel-price-osinbajo-says.html


8. Some even went as far as saying that he declared his ambition on Twitter after this government banned it. I have no words for them. Just this link:

https://punchng.com/social-media-regulation-not-best-option-osinbajo/


9. That Fela Castro fellow also lied that the VP never spoke on the EndSARS saga when it was well documented that he took the IGP to the President and he told governors to set up the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/421322-endsars-osinbajo-apologises-for-buhari-administrations-slow-implementation-of-protesters-demands.html


10. What about Trader Moni? I'm stunned that there are those who still believe that the VP shared money at markets. The monetary part of Trader Moni was fully handled by the Bank of Industry, all the VP did was on-site assessment. Just like he did when he visited Borno or Lagos airport.

https://www.boi.ng/tag/tradermoni/


As “jara”, I think all Nigerians deserve to read this article by Guardian UK:

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/mar/30/activist-vice-president-yemi-osinbajo-breaks-trend-nigeria

It does put things into perspective.

THAT IS THE CULTURE OF THE SYSTEM
- Femi William

When Asiwaju himself was the anointed choice of the established ruling party elders, leaders and power brokers in Lagos State in 1999, he became the governor against other aspirants, who felt they must also be the ones to be crowned the kings, against all odds.

Bola Tinubu became the governor of Lagos State and today, the rest is history.

When he too was leaving after his 8 years as the governor of the state, he openly anointed Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who was not a politician; not known and popular to Lagosians, and had no political structure at all for the contest in the state as his successor, against the ambitions of retinue of worthy aspirants, who also felt they deserved to be given fair chance to contest in a free and fair, as well as, credible primary election.

Since Mr. Fashola was who the established ruling system in the state wanted, who became the governor at the end of the day? The same story of anointing for Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the current sitting governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This is the culture of how privileged Nigerians (aspirants) get to the positions of power or public offices any where in the country. That is the way it runs at every state and local government levels of politicking in the country.

Those, who did not even aspire or show intrest in it at all, even get lucky with the culture in Nigeria most times. They would just sit down on their own and they would be picked.

Let me now go to the politics of the federal level, Ex. Army General Olusegun Obasanjo became the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, simply because he was the choice of the established ruling system and the North in 1999.

Olusegun Obasanjo was in the prison; he had no premonition of it. He had no expansive political structure like that anywhere, but everything was made ready and easy for him. Eventually to the surprise of all, especially the Yorubas, who didn't want him to represent their region, he became the president and ruled for 8 years.

However, when OBJ was done, and was about stepping down for another Nigerian to take over from where he stopped, he also openly chose and endorsed Umaru Yar'Adua to succeed him.

Yar'Adua didn't struggle for it. He didn't have very expansive political infrastructure and structure the way Bola Tinubu has built it, he was on his own like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, when the established ruling order system then went to call him. And, eventually, he became the president against all odds.

That was the same compatible story of how Goodluck Jonathan became the Vice President and eventually the President of the federal republic of Nigeria.

All these Bola Tinubu knows, if his supporters, who are now struggling for him to become the next president of Nigeria at all costs, would have to be behaving as if they do not know.

You don't really have to struggle desperately for it. If you are the one destiny wants, they would always reach out for you by themselves. Bola Tinubu himself is a system man, and one of the power brokers to an extent in Nigeria.

He has been part of it, and he knows how they sit down in the dead of the night, when those of us, who are fighting because of them now, would have been fast asleep in the comforts of our bedrooms, to take those decisions for the country.

Asiwaju himself knows the story of how Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was chosen as the Vice President. From the story I read, the decent man was in Abuja for a supreme court case job, when he received the miracle phone call from Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the then sitting governor of Ogun State.

Prof. Yemi never struggled for it. He never lobbied for it. He never campaigned for it. He was on his own, when destiny reached out for him. That is the culture in most power game system in all societies across the world. That is the way it is here as well.

Asiwaju knows how he himself influences the process of how kings and chiefs are picked for the crowns. He knows how he influences the choices of things in today's Nigeria.

He has been part of it. He knows the nitty-gritty of how the game of power play runs in the country. He is one of the power brokers in Nigeria.

Now, this is President Muhammadu Buhari's time to leave, for a successor to take over from him. The strong resolution in some power game quarters at the federal level, as I heard it, is that he should also be given that honor of exercising the influence of how his own successor too be picked for his party.

At the end of the day, it would now be left for Nigerians to decide whether they want that person or not with their votes on the day of election. As far as I am aware of it, that choice might be Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, or somebody else in the permutation we all might not yet know.

Politics is a game, you can only know the beginning, you might not know how and where it would end. However, my belief is that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would never, ever come out to declare to take part in the contest on his own volition, if President Muhammadu Buhari and some power brokers in the country are not behind it.

He doesn't have the nature of struggling for it, and I do not believe this time that he is the one struggling for it on his own volition.

For the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with his nature, antecedent and ways of taking things to have come out to say he wants to run for the office of the President, then he might have been the anointed choice of the powers that be at the federal level and the agelong established ruling order system in the country, which former President Ibrahim Babangida, the suspected 'spokesman' of the group has already spoken to tell Nigerians that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a very, very good and nice man for the job.

That appears to me like the endorsement zeal from their group. And, when Babangida speaks like that about anyone, during election period as this, the North might be the one speaking.

As far as I know, when the North is behind it, that might be the next choice for Nigeria.

That is why I have always opined it in my consistent submissions that the North holds the aces, when it comes to the choice of who emerges, most times, to become the president of Nigeria.

To me, if it is Prof. Yemi Osinbajo this time, then I would feel he would be betraying the South West by refusing not to be.

Omo Pa William Ajalosi
This historical writeup was copied from another platform:*

*FLASHBACK :::::::::::::::::;: Abacha was found dead with an inhaler on the floor, says Gidado Idris*

*Sani Abacha was found dead on a chair with an inhaler for asthma on the floor, according Gidado Idris, who was secretary to the government of the federation when the former head of state died.*

Idris died on Friday without writing his memoirs, but a revealing interview he granted Weekly Trust on his 80th birthday in 2015 has continued to provide valuable information on his distinguished civil service career.

Asked if he thought Abacha died a natural death or was eliminated, Idris replied: “The General was found on a chair with an inhaler for asthma on the floor. I never knew he was asthmatic until that day. When I met him two days before he died, he seemed normal even if he was coughing a bit. I knew he was ill, but I didn’t know what was wrong. I wouldn’t say he was targeted.”

He also said Jeremiah Useni, who was a lt. general, nominated himself to succeed Abacha because he was the highest ranking officer “politically” but Abdulsalami Abubakar, also a lt. general, was chosen despite opposition from a number of members of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), the highest government organ at the time.

*After Abacha’s death, Idris presided over the council meeting that picked Abdulsalami as the new head of state.*

He narrated to Weekly Trust: “It was the 8th of June, 1998, the day Sani Abacha died. Of course I didn’t know he had died until I got to the house. At about 8:00 am, I got a phone call from the Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Coomassie and he told me that he wanted me there with them urgently at the Villa. I took breakfast and drove myself there at about 8:30 am. When I got to the gate, I was allowed to pass through but on getting to the main building, I was barred even though they knew I was the SGF.

“They told me that the meeting wasn’t taking place there. I then argued that I was told by the IG that the meeting was taking place inside the Villa but they insisted it was in the office and directed me there. On reaching the office, I met Lieutenant-General Abdulsalami Abubakar sitting and he asked why I was there and I told him I was invited by the IGP. He then told me he was invited too, and that was why he was waiting. Others came, as well.
Then-Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Ishaya Bamaiyi came in and asked me to go up and see if the head of state had come so that we could have the meeting. I did, but there wasn’t anyone, not even the soldier who intermittently checked on us. I came back and told them something strange is happening.

“Eventually, someone came and apologized for keeping us waiting. We were led into the house by Lieutenant-General Abubakar and taken to the sitting room where we usually sit with General Abacha. We did not see him, though they said the meeting was with him, instead we saw the first lady Maryam Abacha, Mohammed Abacha, Alhaji Gwarzo (national security adviser) and Buba Marwa (military governor of Lagos state). *We sat down and then the shock came when Gwarzo said the reason why they had invited us was because the head of state died that morning. He added that Abacha’s body was upstairs and they were waiting for the Chief of Defence Staff to go and identify it. Just like that, out of the blue, we were told he’d died.”*

He said he suspected something was amiss when there was so much delay, even though initially no such thoughts crossed his mind.

*ABDULSALAMI’S ABORTED RETIREMENT*

Idris recalled: “Every weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, I usually meet with the head of state. You know his death was announced on Monday. Now, the Thursday before the announcement, I was home when the Chief of Defense Staff, General Abubakar, came and said he wanted to say goodbye to me, that he was leaving for Minna. I asked him what was wrong and he asked if I was not aware that he was going to be retired on Monday. I thought he was joking. He added that the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Air Staff would all be retired on Monday, too.

“He then told me that rather than being disgraced, he had packed up his things and he was leaving immediately so that they could announce his retirement on Monday while he was home in Minna. I then advised him not to behave that way, as a general. I told him that it was a Thursday and we still had some days before Monday and that I was going to see the Head of State on Saturday and find out what the problem was.

Idris jokingly predicted Abacha would stage a coup and give him an appointment

“I then pleaded with him with the name of God to return to his home and after some time he obliged. So he did not go to Minna. I tried to find out what being discussed in the house, but I really didn’t get anything from anyone. I found it unusual and when I had a meeting with General Abacha, I couldn’t extract any information.”
The former SGF, who schooled at the University of Leeds, UK, and joined the civil service before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, also gave details of the drama that went into appointing Abacha’s successor.

“When we came down, we sat as we didn’t know what to do and some of the workers asked what the next step should be. I then said the next step is the announcement of his death. And we couldn’t do that without telling Nigerians who would step into his position because this was sort of new. And I said, I didn’t know how to go about it. I then said as far as I know, we did not have a problem with who will step into his position,” he said.

“Normally, we have a number 1, 2 and 3. In an instance where there is no number one, number two will step in. I said that we have a situation because we did not have a number one as we had just lost him and we did not have a number two as Diya was in jail but we have a number three, which is General Abubakar.  He was very reluctant, and said ‘SGF, I do not agree with you’ and asked if I could organize a meeting of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) by 1:00 pm that same day. I said I would try.

“I got all the aircraft, all the pilots and in any case the only people who would be coming from outside Abuja were people from Lagos and Enugu. The ones from Kaduna normally preferred to drive. And you know military men have their way of doing things, so by 1:00 pm they were all there.

“Before then I had anticipated everything that would happen and had already prepared the oath of office for the new Head of State. I then summoned Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais and explained to him what he needed to do with the oath of office, so he went and dressed up for the task ahead. 

“By 1:00 pm we were all there, seated and I told Lieutenant-General Abubakar, who was also to preside over the meeting, to go and welcome them, which he did. He then told them the situation at hand and that the next step to take was to produce a new head of state and that it had to be done immediately because the body of the late head of state was still upstairs and had not been buried. So we started the meeting immediately. Lieutenant-General Jeremiah T. Useni was there and he spoke first. By the time we got halfway into the meeting at about 5:00 pm, only half of the members of the council had spoken.”
HONOURING THE DEAD

Not everybody was sold on the succession drama, though. One of the generals was actually unhappy that Abacha’s body was still upstairs while all these discussions were going on.

Idris said: “Brigadier-General Bashir S. Magashi  questioned why the body of the former head of state was being treated with disrespect. He was furious that time was fast going and he hadn’t been buried yet. That got me thinking and I felt that there must be some kind of conspiracy going on. I then went to Lieutenant-General Ishaya Bamaiyi and asked to see him for a few minutes and I asked him if it was possible for us to quickly fly to Kano and bury him then come back and finish the meeting. He then asked if the body was prepared for burial and I said I would check. I did and I was told from inside the house that it was ready.

“I then arranged for two aircraft, one to take his body and a few of us and the others to bring other members of the AFRC. Military men being who they are, were very fast about it and after ten minutes I was told that they were ready to receive us at the airport. So I called Al-Mustapha and told him that we would go to Kano and bury the head of state first and come back for the meeting.

“We reached Kano and quickly did the burial and by 1:00 am we were back in Abuja. From the airport we went straight to the council chamber to finish our meeting. We had earlier done more than half of it, so it was easier finishing. The Chief of Army Staff, Bamaiyi, was the last person to speak and he asked why we were wasting time and said by tradition we have got two hierarchies, political and military. He said Useni had already spoken and he said if we go by hierarchy, he was the highest military officer today to take over from Abacha, but he quickly added that he was prepared to abide by whatever decision the council ruled.

“He recommended that we appoint Abubakar as the new head of state. As he was a Lieutenant-General, Useni also recommended Abubakar’s promotion to a full general with immediate effect. He immediately got up and saluted General Abubakar. All I did was to ask Justice Uwais to administer the oath of office and allegiance to him. I took him to the office, opened it, set the chair for him and he sat down and that was how he assumed his status as head of state. 

“Of course there was opposition at the end. The most senior officers in the army then didn’t want Abdulsalami to succeed Abacha. But with the persuasion of Bamaiyi, everyone came on board.  Contrary to what many people feel and think about Bamaiyi, he saved the day.”
PROPHECY FULFILLED

Idris, meanwhile, could have been a prophet — and a successful one at that.

He recalled a particular encounter in which he predicted, even if jokingly, that Abacha would rule Nigeria someday.

He recounted: “I was lucky Sani Abacha was my friend. We were very close since when he was a Major in Kaduna. We played tennis together at the Kaduna Club, with General Buhari, late Shehu Yar’adua and General T.Y Danjuma.

“We once shared a joke, which oddly enough became reality: One day, at the Kaduna Club, after tennis, we were talking and I said ‘Sani, the way I see you, you look like somebody who would one day stage a coup and become head of state. I want you to remember me when you eventually become head of state.’ We were just joking, but here we are today.”

On October 17, 1995, Abacha appointed Idris as SGF, a position he held till May 28, 1999 when Nigeria returned to civil rule.

Idris, who served as private secretary to Ahmadu Bello when he was premier of northern region, was permanent secretary in Kaduna state from 1971 to 1975, secretary of the constitution drafting committee in 1975, secretary of the constituent assembly that produced the 1979 constitution and clerk of the national assembly in 1979.

He was at various times secretary and director of administration of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Affairs in Kuru, permanent secretary, ministry of police affairs, chairman of Productivity, Prices and Income board, permanent secretary ministry of aviation and permanent secretary ministry of finance.

Idris, though originally from Zaria, Kaduna state, was buried in Abuja on Saturday.

Nigeria Needs Leaders Who Deeply Care About Common Man - Osinbajo

By Shina Olabisi

The leaders Nigeria deserves are those who deeply care about the common man and the progress of the nation.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital when he paid a courtesy calll in His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun Ali-Iwo Okunmade II at his palace.

Prof. Osinbajo was in the state to interact with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and seek their support towards his presidential aspiration.

The VP had on Monday, April 11, 2022 declared to contest the next year's presidential election to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of the APC.

Later, the Vice President interacted with APC party leaders and delegates in Oyo State at an impressive event where his speech was often interrupted with singing as the audience kept bursting out in festive renditions of different political lyrics welcoming the VP's emergence and expressions of support for him.

According to him, "in the 7 years that I have been involved, because the President considered it the right thing to do and, in his generosity, and openness, he gave me every opportunity to serve including sensitive international assignments.

"As you know, I also acted as President during certain periods when the President was away and everything I learnt as acting President has prepared me to run as President of our country.

"God doesn’t make mistakes. God is deliberate in everything He does and by giving me all of these opportunities to understand governance for myself at the highest level of our country, all of it was not just so that I can sit down and write a memoir, no, it was to come handy one day and I believe the time has come.

"I believe that the time has come and I have the responsibility to my country, to you, to all our children and the coming generations to give all of what I have learnt, everything I have learnt, all of the services to be able to give it to our country. To serve our country faithfully and honestly is my intention.

"One advantage I would have is that on day one, I can hit the ground running because I know what it takes."

Other speakers at the event include Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Chief, Dr. Jacob Tilley-Gyado and the APC Chairman in Oyo State Hon. Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu who all expressed support for the Vice President’s aspiration.

Akintola in his remarks said "when it comes to the candidacy of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, there are no factions at all."

On arrival in Ibadan, the Vice President received a rousing reception right from the airport and on the streets by excited residents and people in the State, who came out to welcome him

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Speech in Ibadan

"In the 7 years that I have been involved, because the President considered it the right thing to do and, in his generosity, and openness, he gave me every opportunity to serve including sensitive international assignments.

"As you know, I also acted as President during certain periods when the President was away and everything I learnt as acting President has prepared me to run as President of our country.

"God doesn’t make mistakes. God is deliberate in everything He does and by giving me all of these opportunities to understand governance for myself at the highest level of our country, all of it was not just so that I can sit down and write a memoir, no, it was to come handy one day and I believe the time has come.

"I believe that the time has come and I have the responsibility to my country, to you, to all our children and the coming generations to give all of what I have learnt, everything I have learnt, all of the services to be able to give it to our country. To serve our country faithfully and honestly is my intention.

"One advantage I would have is that on day one, I can hit the ground running because I know what it takes."

~ VP Yemi Osinbajo
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
22nd April 2022

Yemi Osinbajo visits Ibadan Today

Yemi Osinbajo visits Ibadan Today (Photos)

Professor Yemi Osinbajo on consultation tour to Ibadan

This is just a means to set the country on fire, with this current situation on the Nigeria, we should not allow selfish interest to worsen the matter and we may end in war if care is not taken.

Yorubas Won’t Mind Muslim - Muslim Ticket
- Bola Tinubu Told Northern Elders


Presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told leaders of thought in the northern part of the country that his South West Yoruba people will not mind a Muslim - Muslim ticket.

Addressing some elders of the North some days ago in Abuja at a secret meeting arranged by his long time friend Senator Abu Ibrahim Tinubu said they should leave the task of convincing the Yoruba to him if selected by his APC party to carry the banner of the party in the 2023 elections.

The issue of who will be his running mate according to our sources became a major issue. They told him flatly they will not accept a Christian northerner to be his running mate .

He was said to have promised to pick a Northwest politician who will be a Muslim. It was then a prominent politician and former governor asked him how that will be taken in the South.

Tinubu, said our sources , told his guests the South East and South South who are largely Christians will not matter. It is the South West, he was quoted to have said , that could raise issues but he will manage that and they will not mind.

Tinubu , at the meeting was said to have argued that the vote of the North West, North East , some largely Muslim states in the North Central as well as South West were enough to make him President.

“ All I need is your support,” he was quoted as having said. “ Leave the rest to me, I will handle it.” His guests were said not to have been convinced by his assurance as no regime in the country since independence has governed with both head and deputy as Muslims.

It is believed that come February , the party APC , under which he want to seek the office is most certain to pick a Muslim Chairman from the North Central part of the country. Aspirants for this position are already emerging from Niger , Kwara and Nasarawa states . These candidates are all Muslims . If Tinubu therefore emerges as APC candidate
and picks a Muslim candidate from the North West it means all of the important positions in the party are held by Muslims to the exclusion of the Christian.

Part of the argument of the pro -Tinubu elements is that this has happened before when the late billionaire Muslim Aare Moshood Abiola selected Alhaji Babagana Kingibe as his running mate . One of the northern leaders present at the meeting said ,while this is true, that time is different from now. There are all manners of tensions in the land and the security of the nation is fragile.

If anybody does that now it will be like deliberately setting the country on fire. “ The IPOB issue is still raging in the South East, young elements are restless in the SW and calling for Oodua Republic, banditry , Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency has enveloped the North. Why would anyone want to add religious crisis to it”, he asked.

“Only a non patriot will experiment with this. I told him my mind. This will not work. Let him accept this or not but I won’t be part of the effort to set Nigeria on fire”, he added.

APC Primaries: Osinbajo Has Majority Of Party Members On His Side – Ajulo

On Apr 20, 2022
LAGOS –

The Progressive Lawyers For Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a group of lawyers canvassing for the emergence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as President in 2023 on Wednesday said he will emerge the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), irrespective of the mode of primaries adopted by the party.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC on Wednesday said that the presidential candidate of the party will be chosen through an indirect primary election.

Speaking with DAILY INDEPENDENT, the leader of the group and human rights activist, Kayode Ajulo, said Osinbajo has the majority of the party members and electorates on his side.

He said “Our take is clear. Whether they agree on direct or indirect primaries, it is not cast in stone. That can be changed at any time. What is cast in stone is what the law says. The law of the country as given by the Electoral Act stated that there shall be direct, indirect primaries or consensus. Any other arrangement by the party is not something that we can say cannot be changed. So, to me, I see nothing in what they have done.

“Any of the three options they choose, be it direct, indirect or consensus our candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will win. All these things have been considered before he came out to declare for the presidential election. What matters most is to have the majority of those that will determine the outcome of the election. The party members and the electorate are all with him.”

President Buhari hosts Governors, Ministers, Service Chiefs and Heads of MDAs to Lftar Dinner at the Statehouse, Abuja. 19th April, 2022. Photos; Tolani Alli

President Buhari receives briefing from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN at the Statehouse, Abuja. 19th April, 2022. Photos; Bayo Omoboriowo

Why they are moving against Osinbajo

By ETIM ETIM

Since Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched his presidential campaign over a week ago, a huge avalanche of malicious, false and cruel campaigns have been unveiled by various interest groups against him. From my findings, these evil and fabricated messages are mostly sponsored by other APC Presidential aspirants who feel threatened by the entrance of the VP into the race. Supporters of Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been particularly mean-spirited, vengeful and malevolent in their attacks against the VP. I am also reliably informed that devotees of Chibuike Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, who is also in the race, have joined in pouring invectives on the VP. Another notoriously angry crusader against the VP is Farooq Kperogi, a bigoted fellow acting as a lone wolf to wage hateful attacks against an innocent man for no obvious reason. Kperogi's allegation that the VP favours only his church members in making appointments is baseless, unfounded and unjustifiable. Of over 80 staffers in the VP's Office, only four are in his church, and many others are people of different faith. I think that Kperogi just wants to attract attention to himself and draw out members of the Christian community for a fight by relentlessly attacking Prof Osinbajo and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). We won't do him that favour.

So, in the last one week or so, these discontented crusaders have been spewing out corrosive articles and fabricated allegations against the Vice President all in attempt to bring him to disrepute and cow him out of the race. They're frustrated by the wide acceptability of the VP by ordinary folks across party lines in all the nooks and crannies of the country. Apparently nobody gave Prof Osinbajo a blinking chance in this race. They are incensed that the VP's message has resonated well with ordinary Nigerians, and his ''Likeability Factor'' is the strongest among the aspirants. They are startled that Osinbajo, whom they had earlier thought would not have the courage to run, is now the front runner and the leading aspirant. Meek, soft spoken and gentle in manners, the VP does not cut a picture of a typical Nigerian politician who talks bombastically, throws his weight around and splashes stolen money at everybody and every occasion. While Tinubu and Amaechi are infamous for scotched earth politics in their respective domains (their inability to accommodate those with opposing interests are well known), Osainbajo had spent the last seven years working hard and supporting the President to deliver on his agenda to Nigerians. A few days ago, Amaechi went to consult the Ooni of Ife and boastfully declared that he is the best of all the aspirants in both the APC and PDP. What a cheek! This is a man whose tenure as Rivers State governor was a monumental failure. But I will leave Amaechi for now because I know that Gov. Wike is on his case.

Bola Tinubu's response has been very pathetic since Prof. Osinbajo announced his interest in the race. The old man has been huffing and puffing around, sulking and bemoaning, with his supporters throwing tantrums and insults with reckless abandon. Over the weekend, Tinubu went overboard by launching scathing personal attacks against President Buhari. At a rally in Onikan, Lagos, the septuagenarian (actually his real age, parentage and educational background are all hazy) accused the President of being full of excuses and too weak to fight terrorism. He attacked virtually every policy of the government, including the barring of some telephone lines not linked to National Identity data, an action taken strictly for security reasons.

In all my years in Nigerian politics, no aspirant has been so brutal against a President elected on the same party as his. I understand that Tinubu is planning to come out in a full ballistic manner against President Buhari. PDP is happy with him. Asiwaju is enraged that the President is not handing him the Presidency on a platter of gold. In fact, I understand that the President does not even have confidence in Asiwaju's state of mind and physical abilities. I don't either.

Discouraged and disgruntled, Tinubu's supporters are busy manufacturing asinine commentaries, the most senseless being that the VP has betrayed Tinubu by deciding to run. You can only betray someone if you had entered into an agreement with the person. There is no such pact between the VP and the former Lagos governor. The fact that Prof. Osinbajo had served as Attorney Generl in Lagos when Tinubu was governor cannot debar the VP from running against Tinubu. Those touting the betrayal theory have therefore reduced the Nigerian presidency to a kind a Tinubu heirloom - an object that has belonged to his family for several generations, to which nobody else dares contest for. It is a poor sense of judgement if Tinubu's sole strategy in the contest for the presidency is based on blackmailing Osinbajo. Nobody wins a major presidential ticket by elevating his sense of entitlement as a key achievement.

Since 1999, Tinubu has been the Lord Manor of Lagos State, where he decides who is the governor, councillors, House of Assembly members, the market leader, refuse collectors, revenue collectors and just about anybody else. He has Lagos in his pocket, and now he wants the whole country. Nigeria has become a prize well sought for by Tinubu as the crowning glory of his past political victories. That is why he does not want anybody, the VP least of all, to challenge his ''lifelong ambition''.

In 2019, the Lord Manor disallowed then Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode opportunity to go for a second term. Tinubu adamantly refused all entreaties from President Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo and other eminent persons to give Ambode a fair chance. Tinubu brooks no opposition. If you offend him, you're gone. I understand that the Ambode experience was an eye opener to the Presidency on the type of person Asiwaju really is. ''If he could turn down an appeal from the President to save Ambode, what else could he do or not do if he ascends the top job? Who could stand in his way? The true character of Tinubu is well known to many people in the party, and he would never be the President'', an APC governor told me in a private conversation last week.

In conclusion, let me repeat that in modern democracies across the globe, the Vice Presidents are usually the first in line to, or the favoured ones to succeed their bosses. Yemi Osinbajo has the right to run and present his case to Nigerians. Only the voters will determine his fate.

EXPOSED:
PLOT TO SMEAR OSINBAJO WITH FALSE TESTIMONIES OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN WEARING HIJAB

The Osinbajo for President Media Council has uncovered yet another fraudulent plan to malign the reputation of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria and a Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the APC.

The plot has been traced to a cell of smear campaigners, led by a US based Nigerian who was formerly a Students Union President at the University of Lagos. The same individual is currently a lecturer at the University of Ohio in the USA.

The plan is to use fake audio of faceless individuals with fictitious names to cast the Vice President, who is a Christian, as a religious fanatic, who discriminated against staff of other faith while he was Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State during the tenure of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the fake video, a woman is seen crying and making frantic allegations that she was discriminated against by the then Attorney-General, because she was not allowed to wear the Muslim head cover for women, otherwise known as the hijab, to work. As observed by someone who was in the same Ministry at the time Osinbajo served as Attorney-General, no such incident ever occurred and this is just a malicious and wicked attempt to sully the sterling qualities of Prof. Osinbajo because of his Presidential aspirations.

Indeed as Attorney-General, Prof Osinbajo's Secretary, a Muslim, Alhaji Abdul Gafar Bakare had testified before now that the then Lagos AGF "did not only encourage me to further my education even at my relatively old age, he personally sponsored my BSc Accounting Program." He added that the VP also sponsored his foreign travel then.

It would be recalled that similar smear campaigns was unleashed against President Muhammadu Buhari, especially during the 2014-15 Presidential campaigns, when it was alleged that he was virulently anti-Christian. The attempt however met with failure.

Even though a Christian Pastor, Prof Osinbajo has always demonstrated himself to be a tolerant Nigerian who believes in the inter-faith harmony and Freedom of Worship as enshrined in the Nigerian 1989 Constitution as amended. During his career as a university teacher, he taught Moslems and Christians alike in a convivial atmosphere. He also had excellent working and private relationships with Muslim bosses over the decades, including Judge Bola Ajibola, Former Governor Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari. Osinbajo remains a firm believer in Nigeria's diversity and ardent proponent of Nigerian unity.

For these reasons, the Media Council feels the need to alert the general public to the odious campaign strategy of Osinbajo detractors and urge everyone to ignore same when released to the public.

Signed : Media Council
April 19, 2022

WHY TINUBU WILL LOSE TO OSINBAJO IN APC PRIMARIES.

Leadership is not a popularity contest – Adams Oshomole.


It is not arguable that Tinubu has a very large political structure. It is also not arguable that Tinubu can defeat Osinbajo in an Open Ballot system, but APC primaries are not going to be an open ballot system where people queue behind their candidates, rather it is going to be an Open-Secret Ballot system.


In an open-ballot system, once I vote against you, you know, so I will be reluctant to vote another after assuring you or collecting your money. However, in an Open-Secret ballot, I can assure you that I will vote for you, collect your money yet vote my “heart”.


Now on the day of the APC primaries, these are the facts that would be very clear:


*TINUBU IS TOO OLD TO GOVERN EFFECTIVELY:*

*With the hindsight of Buhari’s challenges, APC would rather go for a younger and much healthier candidate than an old and sick Tinubu. This is a clear advantage that Osinbajo would have. Most of the delegates would be easily swayed towards Osinbajo right inside the ballot cage, where they would thumb-print their ballot, fold it and come out openly to cast it in the ballot box. Mark you, it is going to be the same ballot box for all candidates, so you cannot know who was voted until the ballots are sorted and counted.*



*TINUBU'S BAD FAITH TOWARDS AMBODE:*

*The bad deed that Tinubu did to Ambode is still fresh in the minds of the governors, both single-term and second-term governors. it is on record that the governors overwhelmingly rejected the direct primaries simply because Tinubu and his men in NASS arranged to have them treated like Ambode.*


*Moreso, it was reported that the APC governor’s forum led by Atiku Bagudu (who is still in charge by the way), went to Tinubu’s residence in Abuja to beg and prostrate to the Jagaban to allow Ambode to complete his tenure, but baba shuns them. Now, he is running after the same Bagudu, even going to the Kebbi Lodge to beg then. They are sure to require their pound of flesh on behalf of Ambode.*


*RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS:*

*Since 2015 Nigeria has been governed by a Muslim, Muhammadu Buhari. If another Muslim from the South takes over from Buhari in 2023, the Muslims would have had another 8 years, making a total of 16. Now when power returns to the North, obviously another Muslim would take over for another 8 years. In total, the Muslims would be president from 2015 – to 2039, a whopping 24 uninterrupted years. That is NOT FEASIBLE. Hence, rational as the delegates are, they would avoid such a trap that would easily hand power back to the PDP. The delegates would rather vote for Osinbajo than Tinubu.*


*RUNNING MATE WAHALA:*

*We all recall the challenges that Buhari faced in choosing a running mate in 2015. Buhari was under pressure to avoid the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2015, even with over 10 million Northern votes in the kitty. Tells that with a Tinubu’s candidacy, it would be tougher for APC.*

*Firstly, Tinubu does not have the cult following that Buhari commanded in 2015.*


*Secondly, the North would never accept a Northern Christian VP, this is an unwritten law. Adopting such would mean FAILURE in the North. Hence the only option that Tinubu would have is a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which would FAIL woefully at elections. Even APC NEC would advise against such a move. The obvious alternative would be Osinbajo.*


*UNACCOUNTED BAGGAGES:*

*Accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions. It implies a willingness to be transparent, allowing others to observe and evaluate one’s performance. Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.*

*Measured on these two words, Osinbajo would beat Tinubu by a clear distance.*

*Firstly, Tinubu has held Lagos to a stranglehold for the past 23 years. He has made sure that his son controls all the key revenue-generating sectors of the state, the numerous toll gates, etc. His daughter controls all the markets in Lagos, his son-in-law is in NASS, and his wife is a senator for life, he receives 10% tithes from Lagos State. These are baggages that Nigeria’s state cannot accommodate. Even now, he has closed NURTW in Lagos and handed it over to his cronies. Is this the type of person that Nigeria wants to give power over the nation and national treasury and power?*

*Responsible delegates would avoid such a person because, when push goes to shove, Nigerians would be better off without such baggages. Hence the Osinbajo appeal would suffice.*


*ACADEMIC AND FOUNDATIONAL CREDENCE:*

*Tinubu’s state of origin, early education, age, and birth are all mysteries. Noone knows where he is from. Noone knows his father, no one knows where he got his first school leaving certificate nor his high school certificate nor diploma. All we hear is that he graduated from some University in the USA. There are those that say that his daughter is 61 years old while Tinubu is claiming 70 years old. That is a mystery too many to be overlooked. Hence Osinbajo would come as a sterling candidate to sell rather than a Tunubu with these baggages of unexplained mysteries.*

OSINBAJO: THE KILLER OF TINUBU’S PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

By Felix Shaba


Tinubu knew for years that a time like this would come when he would ‘vie’ for the number one position in Nigeria. His recent visit to Aso Rock to make his ‘open’ intention known to President Buhari did not come as a surprise to many. As a father of many children, Buhari showed wisdom, but deep within him, he knows that the realisation of Tinubu’s presidency is dicey!
Like the Biblical Esau, the very day Tinubu dropped his ambition to become Buhari’s running mate in the 2015 presidential election was when he retired from an active political position in Nigeria. I am sure if he knew his religion (which has been a boost to his elections in Lagos) would be a significant factor that would stop the actualisation of his lofty dream of ruling Nigeria, he would have possibly followed Remi, his wife, to the church one or two years ago to receive the political “salvation of Christ”.
While social media has made it look like Tinubu is the anointed crown prince in waiting, in reality, there are many odds against him!
It will be unimaginable for Buhari and his supporters in the North to bypass a loyal, dedicated, humble and obedient Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo) for Tinubu. We cannot deny the fact that Tinubu played a vital role in bringing Buhari to power in 2015, but what those clamouring for a Tinubu presidency failed to realise is that apart from the fact that Buhari cannot return such favour at this point in time, Osinbajo has won the heart and trust of the president, compared to OBJ-Atiku era.
Tinubu missed becoming Nigerian president in 2023 twice: when he recommended Osinbajo to Buhari in 2015 and when Osinbajo survived the helicopter that crash-landed in February 2019!
Let’s even face the most straightforward question, “Can an average Northerner trust Tinubu”? or better still, “Can Buhari trust Tinubu”? Judging from how Tinubu has strategically pocketed Lagos since 1999, the Northern kingmakers will surely not want the same to happen at the national level!
The truth is that the kingmakers in the North cannot support someone smarter than them! They will instead rally around a “weak” Osinbajo than a “smart” Tinubu!
Buhari has spent the last seven years putting some structure in place that he will not want to be dismantled. For continuity, the simple logic is to allow someone who has been part of the administration from inception to continue from where he stopped. Another truth is that the North has more ‘competent’ hands to serve as a ‘Muslim’ Vice President to a ‘Christian’ President than it has for a ‘Christian’ Vice President to a ‘Muslim’ President.
Besides the title of ‘your excellency,’ Tinubu will bring nothing new to Nigeria that he cannot do through Osinbajo. Nigeria does not at this point need someone that wants to achieve his personal ambition without a clear vision; the challenge ahead is beyond Buhari using a public seat to return a personal favour! Tinubu may have to wait till 2039 to fulfil his ambition. The removal of the likes of Oshiomhole as APC chairman is more than enough to convince Tinubu that there is no vacancy for him in Aso Rock.
No doubt Osinbajo has the respect of Buhari. Even when Buhari was away on a sickbed in London and Osinbajo was running the country’s affairs, the vice president never made any decision without consulting the president in London. He has always been an obedient servant!
It may look like a running battle to get the APC ticket, but it is pretty straightforward. A Tinubu candidacy will not only show Buhari as a bad and wicked master, but it will also bring total collapse to all the foundations he has spent the past years building! Osinbajo has played his card well by ‘distancing’ himself from Tinubu right from the day he became the vice president.
Tinubu will better be remembered as a kingmaker at the National Level than a former presidential aspirant! Although Buhari may want to play a ‘neutral’ game during the forthcoming APC primaries, doing so will surely not be in the interest of the North; his supporters will need to know who he supports. He is now torn between returning a favour to a man who helped him ascend the throne and paying a dutiful and obedient servant (vice president)!
Let’s watch as the events unfold!


Felix Shaba (PhD) is a researcher and women’s empowerment advocate.

Office of Olu of Warri has release a statement debunking a headlines on one of the daily newspaper.


15th April 2022
Ref: 'Tinubu, Most Qualified Person To Lead Nigeria - Olu of Warri'

A REBUTTAL

On the instructions of His Majesty Atuwatse III - The Olu of Warri, firmly rebut the statement claiming Ogiame's endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and restates that Ogiame has no political affiliation or preferred political candidate for any office In the forthcoming 2023 elections be it at the regional, sub-national or national level.

Ogiame is a father figure to all and has no personal favourite or special interests in any candidate or political party vying for any office in the forthcoming elections one way or another and will therefore not endorse or discredit any candidate to the detriment or advantage of others.

The headlines credited to Ogiame in the referenced quotes have been taken out of context and reworked to suit a specific narrative. They cannot be further from the truth For an unclear motive. The writer contravenes the Palace's avowed role of non-partisanship. Ogiame is a father figure to all who have a genuine interest in advancing the course of development of our nation.

Therefore, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III -The Olu of Warri is using this medium to make this important clarification for the avoidance of doubt and further requesting that in the future, any queries and clarifications on Palace communications should be directed to the Palace media office.

Thank you

OSINBAJO, TINUBU AND THE FALLACY OF A CRIMINALLY IMAGINED BETRAYAL...

By Samuel Ajayi. April 15, 2022

Professor Yemi Osinbajo is not my candidate for the Presidency.

Let this be written down by his supporters.

But with the way Tinubu boys are going, they will end up building a wall of sympathy for this professor of Law and push him to his political destination: the Presidency.

For crying out loud, this guy is a SITTING VICE-PRESIDENT.

By May next year, he would have spent EIGHT YEARS as the Number Two man of the Republic.

He must have learnt one or two things in public administration.

And you saying such a man has no right to say he wants to be President?

You are telling me has betrayed one giddy demigod somewhere by saying he wants to contest?

This guy is over 60. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and professor of Law.

And you said because you appointed him commissioner 23 years ago, he must not dream again!

Let Nigerians say they want or they don't want him. That's our job.

In fact, no guarantee that he would pick the party's ticket not to talk of winning election.

But saying he has betrayed someone by contesting is an insult.

My brother, Kunle Oshobi assisted in connecting me with the guy behind the 'Lagos 4 Lagos' movement popularly called Jandor.

Speaking on phone with the guy and trying to book an interview appointment, he said something that hit me:

"The greatest sin you can commit in Lagos APC is trying to build your own structure. And that was exactly the offence I committed.

Everything ambition, structure, aspiration and political dream must be under Tinubu's direction. But I chose to be different."

I think these Tinubu Boys have gotten so carried away that they think their god owns the world.

Perhaps, what President Buhari said last year will soon become instructive:

"You can't sit down in Lagos and be deciding what happens in the party in Abuja."

As they say in Yoruba, òjò èsín n sú...

Osinbajo’s Road to Abuja: The Untold Story

Olawale Olaleye

Since his emergence as Nigeria’s number-two citizen, different accounts had been flying around on how Professor Yemi Osinbajo, actually secured the coveted vice-presidential slot, a majority of which revolved around the person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his former boss. Indeed, the recent revelation by Chief Bisi Akande in his book, “My Participations” was equally slanted to further pin down the narrative.

You may recall that in 2016, Professor John Paden, authored a biography, ‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of leadership in Nigeria’, where he dismissed speculations that Tinubu, influenced the emergence of Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate, but contended that Buhari, instead, chose Osinbajo despite a lot of pressure from Tinubu, who was interested in the position. That book raised a lot of dust and as expected, Tinubu’s soldiers went for the professor.

But, regardless of whichever version you must have read or heard, what you are about to read now is the untold story of how Professor Osinbajo, became Buhari’s running mate and eventually, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It happened that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was almost running against the deadline for the submission of names of its candidates ahead of the 2015 presidential election. There was no debate about its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who had emerged at a convention held in Lagos in December of 2014. But the party had been held hostage on its choice for the running mate.

In the forefront of the confusion that had ensued as a result was Tinubu, who didn’t hide his desire to fill the slot. He hinged this on the understanding he allegedly had with Buhari in the early days of their proposed alliance, before the merger that eventually culminated in the formation of the APC, now boasting several other tendencies.

With a bigger house made possible by what was known as the ‘legacy parties’ and other individuals, who championed the change movement, a Muslim/Muslim ticket had become arguably impracticable.

This much was canvassed by a majority of the actors with stakes in the party, especially, with the increasing attacks from the Boko Haram terrorist group. They had considered a Muslim/Muslim ticket a very hard sell.

However, with 24 hours to deadline for submission of names, coupled with the fact that Tinubu had made a smooth choice of a running mate nearly impossible, including the fact that he was made to chair a selection committee, which failed to fly, because of his vested interest, Buhari then decided to take the bull by the horn, being the candidate.

While the underhand intrigues subsisted, Buhari had set up a team of some persons, including a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdul-Aziz Yari; former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; incumbent Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his predecessor, Magatakarda Wamakko, amongst others to shortlist names of likely candidates for him, from the South.

Interestingly, it seemed there was a consensus that with the role of the Southwest, the running mate must come from the zone, reason other interested folks from other parts of the country could not fly.

The committee had completed its work and submitted a list of three names to Buhari. First on the list is a former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, followed by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora and third, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Please, follow the trend and how Osinbajo’s name first featured in the 2015 theatrics.

Armed with the list and wary of the deadline staring him in the face, Buhari left for Tinubu’s house in Abuja, first to explain that a Muslim/Muslim ticket was not going to fly, meaning he would be unable to run with him and that in the alternative, he (Tinubu) could recommend anyone from the list to him as his preferred choice for the slot. At least, he thought it was okay to do him that honour.

Unfortunately, Tinubu didn’t receive the news well and flared up so bad that he was alleged to have engaged in war of words with Buhari, who stormed out of his house, after Tinubu had insinuated betrayal. Amongst those in Tinubu’s house at the time were Chief Bisi Akande, Rauf Aregbesola and Adams Oshiomhole. But only Oshiomhole walked Buhari to his car as he made to leave the house.

From Tinubu’s house, Buhari stopped over at the home of a former governor from the Southern part of the country and told him all that transpired, and went back home – angry and disappointed.

Getting home, he sent for Saraki and when the former Senate President got to his place, he narrated what happened and the embarrassment meted out to him, saying if Tinubu wanted a fight, he was ready and he would give it back in full dose.

But Saraki pleaded with him that it was too early and that the situation was not what they couldn’t manage well before the elections. Saraki immediately contacted a former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and hinted him that there was fire on the mountain and that he needed to come around to join forces with him to manage the situation. Amosun left his home in Abeokuta, first for Lagos and then Abuja, and straight to Buhari’s home.

Thus, when he got there, he was intimated with all that had happened, but he was particularly worried about deadline and pleaded with Buhari to let him take it over from there. So, he left for Tinubu’s place to close the deal.

By the time he got to Tinubu’s residence, Oshiomhole had left but still with him were Baba Akande and Ogbeni Aregbesola. Typical of Amosun, who would not waste time on anything, he told Tinubu that Buhari’s mind was already made up, but that he should decide now, who he wanted as the running mate, at least, that only the individual he chose would be presented to Buhari and not give him the pleasure of choosing from a list.

Still angry and disappointed, the first person Tinubu suggested in that rage was Oshiomhole. But as if planned, there was almost a unanimous opposition from everyone in the room. Then, Aregbesola suggested Osinbajo and he (Tinubu) opposed it, saying Osinbajo was one of those, who campaigned against a Muslim/Muslim ticket and must therefore not benefit from it.

Now, let’s digress a bit. Tinubu’s anger against Osinbanjo was this. The former Lagos governor had set up a team of persons close to him to ponder the Muslim/Muslim idea and the best way to push it forward. Those on the team included Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyom, Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Dele Alake and Mr. Dapo Thomas. The team met regularly at a private Guest House on the Island, Ikoyi to be precise.

But Osinbajo had during one of their meetings said pointedly that there was no way he would defend a Muslim/Muslim ticket in good conscience especially, with the state of security in the country. He asked on what account would he go back to his family and say he was part of such a decision? Of course, Tinubu got a feedback from the team and held it against him, even though Osinbajo didn’t mean any harm.

Therefore, at the mention of Osinbajo, he revolted almost instantly. But he needed to give a name and time was fast going before deadline. So, he asked to see the list brought by Buhari and on sighting it, he said, “Okay, let’s run with Oyinlola.” To that too, Baba Akande protested and it was back to square one.

Again, Aregbesola prevailed and contended that, like it or not, Osinbajo remained a member of Tinubu’s political family and therefore, still his best bet. After a few minutes of grumbling, he reluctantly agreed to Osinbajo. And Amosun asked him repeatedly if it was a deal and he responded in the affirmative. Final answer kind of thing! Mamora was not even to be considered as far as Tinubu was concerned. Those who know Lagos politics would understand why.

When he finally agreed to Osinbajo, Aregbesola even pleaded to be given the honour of being the person to break the news to Osinbajo. But Amosun didn’t have the patience to acquiesce to that request. For him, time was of the essence and that assignment was handled business-like. Therefore, how Baba Akande handed them a note with Osinbajo’s name and ordered them to Buhari is still a mirage. Besides, Aregbesola did not go with him.

Anyway, in the presence of all, Amosun made a call to Osinbajo to ask, where he was and that a plane would be sent to convey him now to Abuja. But, incidentally, Osinbajo replied that he was in Abuja already, because he had a case at the Supreme Court.

Great, everything seemed to be working together for good, he reckoned. Then asked him to come immediately to Ogun House in Abuja, and when he arrived, he first congratulated him saying, “You’re the next vice-president of Nigeria.”

With a confounding gaze, he conveyed him in his (Amosun’s) car and drove straight to Buhari’s house, with Kemi Adeosun, former Minister of Finance, sitting in front of the car.

Getting to the candidate’s residence, Amosun asked Osinbajo to wait downstairs, while he went upstairs to see the president and told Buhari: “I have him sir,” and Buhari asked: “Who?” and he replied: “Your running mate”.

The APC candidate then came downstairs, where he first met with Osinbajo for the first time as introduced to him by Amosun and immediately, ushered them to a sitting area in the kitchen, where his nomination form was filled in a hurry.

Osinbajo, filling his form in Buhari’s dinning area, was guided by Mrs. Adeosun, Amosun and Sarki Abba, one of Buhari’s domestic staff, to hasten up the process. Buhari, too, was there watching them complete the process.

This is why for those, who know the story, how Osinbajo later turned out to be Amosun’s enemy remains a mystery to them. But with this insider picture of how Osinbajo ‘walked from Lagos to Abuja’, readers can now decide by themselves, the person, who actually made Osinbajo the vice president. To do this, however, five centres must be factored into account.

The first is the team set up by Buhari, which included him amongst the three potential candidates. The second is Aregbesola, who consistently mentioned him until it was approved. The third is Tinubu, who reluctantly agreed to his choice, without which they probably would have been unable o move on.

The fourth was Amosun, who had to run a major and serious race from Abeokuta to Lagos and Abuja to make sure that phase in the life of APC was closed. The fifth and most important is Buhari himself. He could have rejected him if he wanted to. After all, he was going to be working with him and definitely should have a say in the choice of his partner.

But if you asked this writer, no one person made Osinbajo vice president. The coming together of everyone as designed by God did the job. Therefore, no one person can claim the glory. This, in a nutshell, is the story of Osinbajo’s journey to the seat of power, Abuja.

All the additions and facts deliberately mutilated by Baba Akande are curious. But, it is understandable. Above all, if you are in doubt, many names are mentioned here as witnesses to the journey, you can check with them all.

2023 promises to be a very interesting year for Nigeria and Nigerians. In the game if you are seen as very competent or favoured, you may have to deal with more smear campaigns and calumny.

Not too long ago, my boss, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was the target of one of such vicious and unwarranted attacks by one Farooq Kperogi. While Kperogi’s diatribe and persona does not deserve the dignity of a response normally, it is however important to debunk his falsehoods for the sake of posterity. Let the records be clear.

It is an open secret that Kperogi’s antecedence – history of hate, falsehood, divisiveness and being repeatedly discredited, is of no moment and serves no purpose. But at some point in the future, a generation that may not have the full context and true picture. They may not understand how poorly society and people of today think of Kperogi. This is why I have chosen personally to set the record straight.

Before I attempt to expose Kpeogi’s deep-rooted hatred for VP Osinbajo (for reasons only known to him), I will provide a brief backgrounder that will ultimately clarify pertinent issues he has tried (in futility) to raise against Prof. Osinbajo.

But let me introduce myself first. I am a Fulani man from Gombe State. Before I was appointed to work in the Office of the Vice President, I was a two-term Councillor representing the good people of Ward ‘B’ (Apapa GRA) under Apapa Local Government Council of Lagos State. I have lived and worked in Lagos for many years and have throughout this period been accorded rights enjoyed by all Lagosians regardless of my socio-ethnic or religious affiliations. As a politician and a foundation member of the All Progressives Congress, I never suffered any discrimination in Lagos nor was I denied access because of my background.

Few years after I met Prof. Osinbajo, he was nominated as running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari, who was then the APC presidential flagbearer. Fast-forward to how I started working with him at the Presidency – One evening, on his return to Lagos from Abuja where he had gone to formalise processes for the commencement of the campaigns as President Buhari’s running mate, Prof called me and instructed, “Gambo, you will have to relocate to Abuja. If we are to win this election, I need you there, taking our message to the people and coordinating things.”

And so I obeyed, and today I work with him knowing no difference between colleagues professing other faiths, all of us working together as a close-knitted team.

It is against this backdrop that I have decided, with all sense of duty and humility, first as an appointee in the VP’s office, a Fulani and a Muslim, and most importantly, an eminently qualified Nigerian, to call out Kperogi and expose his bag of lies.

Aware of the fact that Nigerians are very sentimental to issues of religion and ethnicity, Kperogi cleverly deployed the instrumentality of religion to malign Professor Osinbajo, anchoring his infamous article on religious bigotry without clearly substantiating his baseless claims that Professor Osinbajo has deep hatred for Muslims. He made futile efforts to link the VP to issues of bigotry but failed to show clearly where Osinbajo has shown preference over Muslims in appointments, public utterances or even close association and relationships.

In a recent article, Kperogi deliberately and without any facts portrayed the Vice President as bigoted alleging he was one of the many who advocated for a Christian Governor in Lagos State. But Kperogi in his characteristic manner kept away the fact of the matter – which is the agitation was widespread at the time and even Muslims joined in the call.

Also, he did craftily avoided the fact that Prof. Osinbajo indeed, in a lecture delivered at the time and titled, ‘Christianity, Politics, Now and Beyond,’ expressed support for merit and urged proponents of the idea to instead focus on candidates with values rather than just picking someone because of religion.

A couple of years after, Prof. Osinbajo’s stand hasn’t changed. Instead, his stance on the subject matter remains firm, his belief unshaken even in the face of adversity – for the VP, appointment or selection to positions of leadership and influence in society must be on the basis of competence and merit rather than parochial considerations especially religion and ethnicity. The VP’s opinion is premised on the fact that every section of the country is blessed with abundant human resources to occupy any kind of position of authority. So, Kperogi’s allegations in this light is ridiculous.

To further buttress his point about the VP and his alleged Christianisation agenda, Kperogi referenced a statement credited to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Ayokunle about the 2023 elections and found a way of linking it to Professor Osinbajo.

In the first instance, the CAN President never outrightly advocated for Christians to vote only a President of Christian stock. What Rev. Ayokunle said was simply that CAN would also mobilise its members to kick against Christian/Christian or Muslim/Muslim ticket in 2023 in view of the religious plurality of Nigeria.

His words: “Christian politicians should brace up and make themselves available for leadership, it is time. Let me say it clearly that any party that presents Christian/Christian or Muslim/Muslim ticket is insensitive to our religious plurality should deservedly fail in 2023. We will mobilize the Christian body to fight against that proposition.”

Kperogi, in his characteristic but despicable manner, left out facts noted by the CAN President, in his article. If not for his propensity for evil, why would he leave out this part? What are his intentions? Who are Kperogi’s paymasters or puppeteers? Who is paying to have his very dubiously authored piece in major newspapers and online platforms? Why are they scared of Professor Osinbajo, even when the man has not declared any interest?

In another attempt to rewrite the history of the operations of the Office of the Vice President, Kperogi alleged that Osinbajo appointed only his Christian brethren to work as aides in his office, all according to him, depicts Osinbajo’s disdain for Muslims.

For the avoidance of doubt, the good man (the VP) Kperogi falsely claimed has disdain for Islam appointed me his aide even before the campaign kicked off. During the electioneering season, the Vice President was fully integrated into then candidate Buhari’s inner circle because they saw in him the humility, comportment and drive that qualified him to be in there. And I watched as he treated his boss, the President-to-be, with the utmost respect and reverence just as he did everyone else whether Muslim or Christians.

Once he was elected into office, Prof. Osinbajo appointed a Muslim, Abdulrahman Ade Ipaye, as his Chief of Staff (the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, based in the Office of the Vice President). Kperogi wont be oblivious of this fact, but pretended to be and failed to mention that many of Osinbajo’s closest and most of his senior aides are Muslims.

A cursory look at appointments in the VP’s office show that many of his closest aides are deeply rooted in Islam. For instance, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Hajiya Maryam Uwais, who handled the single biggest social investment programme in the history of Nigeria, is a Muslim. She was assisted in that role by another Muslim faithful, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmad, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Investment. Another senior aide in his office is his Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Compliance Matters, Dr Balkisu Saidu.

Others include the Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Ahmad Rufai Zakari; the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu; Special Assistant to the President on IDPs, Mohammed Brimah, among others. Each one of them played and still play critical roles in the Vice President’s office and in his sphere. Never have they suffered any form of Islamophobia from Prof. Osinbajo as fabricated in Kperogi’s warped mind.

Kperogi even stretched his lies further by trying to fraudulently alter the past, like the plot of a bad sci-fi movie. He claimed that at Simmons Cooper Partners – the law firm where Prof. Osinbajo practiced after he served as the Attorney-General of Lagos State and when he ran for the office of Vice President, had an unwritten law against hiring Muslims. Incredible!

This is just flat out false. Prof. Osinbajo would not be a party to such blatant discrimination and no such policy was ever in place, formally or informally. While in the firm, he was one of three senior partners at the firm at the time. By the reason of my proximity, I know at least three Muslim lawyers in senior positions at the prestigious law firm.

Given the diversity of their clientele and the huge cases the law firm have been involved in, such an allegation can only be in the figment of Kperogi’s fertile but warped imaginations.

Kperogi’s penchant for mudslinging has made him blind to these facts about Prof. Osinbajo hence his resort to arm-twisting tactics to make Nigerians see Osinbajo in a negative light. His campaigns over the years either against the VP or any other victim have been based on falsehoods and innuendos. His expertise is in mixing up half-truths to buttress his point and it is only a matter of time before Nigerians, including his followers, begin to call him out. Kperogi may be rich in many ways, but in truth and character, he is very impoverished.

As a man of faith, Prof. Osinbajo would never wish anyone evil. He is a true man of virtues and noble person. He genuinely respects the wisdom of the old and embraces the innovativeness of the youth, both groups loving him back.

Never in our democracy have the President and the Vice President been this close and enjoy great synergy for this long. It is only utterly depraved minds like that of Kperogi that would falsely claim that Prof. Osinbajo would ever wish his boss any harm. The church event, which Kperogi referred to has been roundly debunked. The accuser neither provided the date nor the exact location.

But, truth is not what Kperogi is after. But he’s simply throwing mud and praying hard that some will stick. He has failed.

As an old Hausa proverb goes, “Lies bloom, but bear no fruit.” Kperogi’s lies may have caught fire on online platforms in the last few weeks, but I must remind him that his aim will surely be defeated. If it pleases Allah (SWT), Prof. Osinbajo will surely fulfill destiny. No amount of lies will stand in his way. Not a billion Kperogis can stop what has already been ordained.

Manzo is the Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the President, Office of the Vice President

Before 1999, Tinubu had none of these:

1. Oriental Hotel
2. Falomo Shopping Complex
3. First Nation Airline
4. Lekki Concession Company
5. Apapa Amusement Park
6. Maiyegun Land Project
7. De Nation
8. Renaissance Hotel
9. Tejuoso Market (Joint ownership)
10. Ikeja Shopping Mall
11. TV Continental
12. Converted Lagos Poly land for TVC
13. Owned NNPC Office building in Lagos
14. Radio Continental
15. Owned School of Nursing building in Lagos
16. Tax Collector of Lagos State (Alpha Beta)
17. Wife is a member of the National Assembly
18. Son-in-law is a member of the National Assembly
19. Daughter is the President-General of Market Women Association in Lagos
20. N4 billion government financed property for self at Queens Drive, Lagos.
Tinubu acquired all of the above and many more not listed after he became Governor of Lagos State, first in 1999 and won his second term in 2003. He remains Governor Emeritus of Lagos, controlling the State’s treasury through his protege Governor Fashola.

But EFCC will never hunt for him and his followers will say he's not CORRUPT. Until we are ready to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Politicians will keep taking us for a ride....Thief nah thief

By Lanre Olayinka

Are these what they did to 'make' Osinbajo all between 1999 and 2007.


Allahu Akbar!!!

[PERSONAL DATA]

Name: Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
Other Names: Oluyemi Oluleke,
Date of Birth: 8th March, 1957,
Place of Birth: Creek Hospital, Lagos,
Home Address: *********************
Lagos, Nigeria. Nationality: Nigerian,
Marital Status: Married.

[EDUCATION]

London School of Economics & Political Science, Master of Laws – 1980, Nigerian Law School – 1979, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Winner of Graham-Douglas Prize for Commercial Law University of Lagos, 1975-78, LLB, Second Class Upper, Winner State Merit Award -, Igbobi College Yaba – 1969-75, School Prize for English Oratory, 1971, 1972; Adeoba Prize for English Oratory 1972-1975; Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC) – 1973, School Prize for Literature (HSC), 1975; African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize, 1974.

[WORK EXPERIENCE]

Simmons Cooper Partners (Barristers and Solicitors), Senior Partner, 2007 till date; University of Lagos, Professor of Law, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, 2007 to 2013; Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Member of Cabinet, Lagos State, 1999 to May 2007 ; United Nations Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN Peacekeeping Personnel around the globe, Member (2006); United Nations Operations in Somalia, Staff Member, Justice Division, UNOSOM II; Law Firm of Osinbajo, Kukoyi & Adokpaye, Partner; University of Lagos, Professor of Law and Head of Department of Public Law (1997-1999), Federal Government of Nigeria, Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (legal advice and litigation), 1988-1992; University of Lagos, Senior Lecturer I (1983-86), Lecturer II (1981-1983), Bendel Development and Planning Authority, Legal Officer (Youth Service),1979-1980

[PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES]

International Criminal Court, Counsel, 2012 Citibank (Nigeria), Independent Director, appointed in 2008; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, 2002 ; African Development Bank, Ethics Adviser, Advisory Board; Asset and Resource Management Company Limited (ARM), Board Member, 2011 Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria, Consultant, analysis of Legislation on Universal Basic Education, 2010; United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Assessing the Efficiency and Impact of African Anti-Corruption Commissions, Consultant, 2009; International Bar Association, delegation to South Africa to consider the issue of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, Member, 2008; Board of Studies of the Council for Legal Education, Member, 2003-2007; Body of Benchers, Member, 1999-2007; Council of Legal Education, Member,1997-2007; International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Arusha on training of Prosecutors, Consultant (2004); Revision and Publication of Laws of Lagos State, Coordinator, 2003; Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Member (1999); Ministerial Committee for Review of Minerals Laws and Regulations, Member, (1996); ECOWAS, Eminent person group for the Harmonisation of the Commercial Laws of ECOWAS States, Member (1996); National Committee on the Review of Solid Mineral Laws, Member, 1996; Expert advisory team to Ethiopia to advice parliament on Legal aspects of Democratisation, Member (1992); National Committee on the Reform and Unification of the Nigerian Criminal Laws and Procedure Codes, Member, 1988-1991; National Committee on Prison Reform, Member, 1991; Compilation and Editorial Committee of Nigeria’s Treaties in Force (1970-1990) (Published in 10 volumes) Coordinator, 1991; United Nations African Institute for Crime Prevention (UNAFRI), Consultant, (1991); Delegation to the Meeting of Senior Officials of Commonwealth Law Ministries, Singapore, Leader, (1990); Task Force on the Revision of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Member, 1990; Commonwealth Ad-Hoc Working Committee on the Protection of Cultural Property, Member, (1990); Senate of Lagos State University, Member ; Senate of the University of Lagos, Member; Convention on Business Integrity, Co-founder & Chairman, Justice Research Institute Ltd. Gte., Board Member , THE ORDERLY SOCIETY TRUST, Executive Director Negotiation and Conflict Management International Board Member, United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations/Training Programmes in Negotiating International Commercial/Financial Agreements for Senior Government and Private Sector Officials; and Providing An Enabling Environment for Foreign Investment in Nigeria, Coordinator; United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations/United Nations Development Programme, Consultant; Commonwealth Working Party on the Commonwealth Advisory Service on Arbitration, Member; Nigerian Delegation to Negotiation of ECOWAS Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, Gambia, Leader ; Governing Board of Legal Research and Resource Development Centre (LRRDC), Member ; Governing Board of Empowerment and Action Research Centre (EMPARC), Member ; International Bar Association, Member; Justice Committee of the Transitional Work Groups of the Governor-Elect Lagos State, Secretary; British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Member.
Membership of Editorial Boards of Learned

[PUBLICATIONS]

Editorial Advisory Board of the Appellate Review Journal(Published by The Emmanuel Ayoola Foundation); Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law; Nigerian Supreme Court Cases – DSC Publications (Published in 35 volumes); Justice (Journal of Contemporary Legal Problems); Contemporary Law Journal, (Faculty of Law, UNILAG); All Nigeria Law Reports (Published in 31 volumes); LASU Law Journal, Lawyers Bi-Annual, Journal of Finance and Investment Law; National Correspondent Bulletin of Legal Developments, Editorial Director Justice Now legal newspaper.

Membership of Editorial Boards of Non-Legal Publications:
Member, Editorial Advisory Board of the News/Tempo, Editor/Consultant, Human Dignity (Journal of the Human Rights Club), Member, Editorial Board of Scrutiny (Advocacy Bulletin of Integrity)
Publications

[CHAPTERS CONTRIBUTED TO BOOKS]

The Common Law, The Evidence Act and The Interpretation of Section 5(a) in Essays in Honour of Judge Elias (1986) (J.A. Omotola, ed) pgs. 165-18;
Some Reforms in The Nigerian Law of Evidence Chapter in Law and Development (1986), (J.A. Omotola and A.A. Adeogun eds.) pgs. 282-311;
Rules of Evidence in Criminal Trials in the Nigerian Special Military Tribunals Chapter 2 in Essays on Nigerian Law, Vol … 1, Pgs. 28-42. (J.A. Omotola ed),
Some Public Law Considerations in Environmental Protection. Chapter in “Environmental Laws in Nigeria”, (J.A. Omotola ed.) 1990 pgs 128-149,
Domestic and International Protection for Women: “Landmarks on the Journey so Far” in Women and Children under Nigerian Law”. (Awa U. Kalu & Yemi Osinbajo eds.) 1990. pgs. 231-241
Some Problems of Proof of Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Nigeria (Awa Kalu ed.)
Modalities For The Implementation of The Transition Provisions in The New Constitution in Law Development and Administration, (Yemi Osinbajo & Awa Kalu eds.) FMJL Review Series, (1990).
Legal and Institutional Framework For The Eradication of Drug Trafficking in Nigeria – Narcotics: Laws and Policy in Nigeria (Awa Kalu & Yemi Osinbajo eds.) FMJL Review Series, 1990
Proof of Customary Law in non-Customary Courts, – Towards a Restatement of Nigerian Customary Laws, (Osinbajo & Awa Kalu eds.) 1991,
External Debt Management: Case Study of Nigeria – International Finance and External Debt Management, UNDP/UNCTC, 1991,
Judicial and Quasi-judicial Processing of Economic and organized Crimes: Experiences, Problems etc. Essays in Honour of Judge Bola Ajibola, (Prof. C.O. Okonkwo ed.) 1992,
Human Rights, Economic Development and the Corruption Factor in Human Rights and the Rule of Law and Development in Africa (Paul T. Zeleza et al eds) 2004

[ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN LEARNED JOURNALS]

Legitimacy and Illegitimacy under Nigerian Law Nig. J. Contemp. Law. (1984-87) pgs. 30-45
Unraveling Evidence of Spouses in Nigeria, Legal Practitioners Review Vol. 1 No. 2 1987 pgs. 23-28
Can States Legislate on Rules of Evidence? Nigerian Current Law Review 1985 pgs. 234-242
Problems of Proof in Declaration of Title to Land, Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7, October 1986, pgs. 47-68
Interpretation of Section 131(a) of the Evidence Act. Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7 (1986), pgs. 118-122
Review of Some Decrees of the Structural Adjustment Era (Part 1, 2, 3), (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 2 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law) pgs.60-63, (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 3 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law) pgs. 51-55, (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 4 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law)
Current Issues in Transnational Lending and Debt Restructuring Agreements part 1 and 2
Autonomy, Academic Freedom and the Laws Establishing Universities in Nigeria (1990) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 2, pgs. 53-64
Admissibility of Computer Generated Evidence. (1990) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 1 pgs. 9-12
Allegations of Crime in Civil Proceedings, U.I. Law Review 1987
Roles, Duties and Liabilities of Collateral Participants and Professional Advisers in Unit Trust Schemes (1991) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 7 pgs. 71-83
Reform of the Criminal Law of Evidence in Nigeria (1991) Jus. 2 No. 4 Pgs. 71-98
Profit and Loss Sharing Banks – (1990) Jus. Vol. 2 No. 8, Juvenile Justice Administration in Nigeria.
A Review of the Beijing Rules. (1991) Jus. Vol. 2 No. 6. Pgs. 65-73
Sovereign Immunity in International Commercial Arbitration – The Nigerian Experience and emerging state practice- In African Journal of International and Comparative Law, 4 RADIC 1992, page 1-25,
Human Rights and Economic Development in The International Lawyer. 1994, Vol. 28, No. 3 pgs. 727-742
Legality in a Collapsed State: The Somalia Experience 45 ICLQ 1996, pgs. 910-924.

[BOOKS AUTHORED/EDITED]

Integration of the African Continent Through Law” (Edward Foakes Publishers, 1989, vol. 7, Federal Ministry of Justice Law Review Series)
Towards A Better Administration of Justice System in Nigeria” (Edward Foakes Publishers, 1989)
Women and Children Under Nigerian Law with (Awa kalu Co. Ed.) FMJL Review Series
The Unification and Reform of the Nigerian Criminal Law and Procedure Codes with (Awa Kalu Co. Ed.) – (Malthouse Press), 1990, FMJL Review Series
Law Development and Administration (Malthouse Press), 1990
Narcotics: Law and Policy in Nigeria, FMJL Review Series 1990
Nigerian Media Law, with (Prof. PK Fogam) GRAVITAS Publishers 1991
Perspectives on Human Rights in Nigeria with (Awa Kalu, Co.Ed) FMJL Review Series 1991
Democracy and the Law, FMJL Review Series, 1991
Perspectives on Corruption in Nigeria, FMJL Review Series 1992
Cases and Materials on Nigerian Law of Evidence, Macmillan, 1996
The Citizens Report Card on Local Governments (with Omayeli Omatsola) 1998
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – A training Agenda for Nigeria (with Bankole Olubamise and Yinka Balogun,) Legal Research and Resource Development Centre, 1998
Annotated Rules of the Superior Courts of Nigeria (with Ade Ipaye) Lexis-Nexis Butterworths 2004
Cross Examination: A Trial Lawyer’s Most Potent Weapon (with Fola-Arthur Worrey) Lexis-Nexis Butterworths 2006

[MONOGRAPHS]

Problems and Prospects of Development Control 2004
Elections and Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria 2009
The Imperative of Electoral Reforms – A Critical Element of Constitutional Re-engineering of Nigeria 2009
Strengthening The Code Of Conduct Bureau 2009
Building Ethical Institutions: The Experience Of The Lagos State Judiciary 2009
The State Of Criminal Justice In Nigeria: Challenges And Opportunities 2009
Transparency And Ethical Considerations In The Development Of The Nigerian Economy 2009
The Responsibility Of Privilege 2010
Reforming Civil Procedure Rules: The Lagos State Experience 2010
Understanding How The Legal Process Works In Business 2010
The Modern Justice Delivery Technique 2010
Challenges Of Enforcement Of Securities In Nigeria 2010
Political Institutions And Electoral Integrity 2010
Development and Policy Use of Criminal Justice Information and Statistics 2010
The Retreat of the Legal Process 2011
The Rule of Law: The Foundations are Shaking 2011
Structuring Criminal Justice Administration In A Federal State: Priorities For Nigeria 2011
Regulatory Framework for Curbing Internet Crimes and Money Laundering 2014
Leadership and Legacy: The Power of One 2014
Repositioning Nigerian Universities For The 21st Century: Paradigms For Innovation And Change 2014
Delays In Justice Administration: Beyond The Rules And The Law 2014
Towards A More Transparent And Merit‐Based Judicial Recruitment System In States Judicial Service Commissions 2014
The Rule of Law and National Development 2014

[AWARDS]

Lagos State Government An award in recognition of invaluable 09/Sept/1999 contribution as member, Justice Committee of Lagos Transition Work Group
Lagos State Government An award in recognition of invaluable 09/Sept/1999 contribution as MEMBER, policy committee of Lagos Transition Work Group
Nigerian Bar Association Merit Award for outstanding
Ikeja Branch contributions to the Bench and Bar and 15/June/2001 commitment to the rule of law in Lagos
Lagos State Judiciary Award for invaluable support
06/Dec/2003 towards the upliftment and growth of administration of justice in Lagos State Judiciary
Nigerian Bar Association Outstanding Practitioner award in 2004 recognition of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
(SAN)’s contribution to the legal profession and the Nigerian Bar Association
Magistrates Association of Nigeria Award of excellence in recognition of 09/Dec/2005 meritorious and selfless service to magistracy and humanity
Lagos State House of Assembly Outstanding performance award 28/April/2005 (The House Committee on Judiciary Human Rights and Public Petition)
Nigeria Bar Association Award of honour in appreciation of an Ikeja Branch immense contribution to the 26/May/2006 development of constitutionalism in Nigeria.
Thisday Newspaper Nomination as Legal Practitioner of the year 2006
Lagos State Ministry of Justice An Award in recognition of an April, 2007 eight year tenure of resourceful motivational and revolutionary leadership of the Justice sector in Lagos state
Nigerian Leadership Initiative Award for exemplary leadership in July 2007 government
Committee for the Distinguished Mediators Award
Defence of Human Rights in recognition of selfless commitment
20/Sept/2010 to peace and development
Lagos State Government Emeritus Ambassador for the
Ministry of Environment Environment
2010
Lagos State Government An Award in recognition of an outstanding 2010 contribution to the development of the Justice Sector of Lagos State
Nigerian Lawyers Association Law and Justice Award. In recognition of December 2011 an exceptional and remarkable service in the academia and the public sector, dedication to advocating for and implementing Judicial Reform in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Judiciary and An Award in recognition of a meritorious.
The Lagos State Multi-Door service on The Lagos Multi- door
Courthouse 2014 Courthouse Governing Council.

Are these what they did to 'make' Osinbajo all between 1999 and 2007.


Allahu Akbar!!!

[PERSONAL DATA]

Name: Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
Other Names: Oluyemi Oluleke,
Date of Birth: 8th March, 1957,
Place of Birth: Creek Hospital, Lagos,
Home Address: *********************
Lagos, Nigeria. Nationality: Nigerian,
Marital Status: Married.

[EDUCATION]

London School of Economics & Political Science, Master of Laws – 1980, Nigerian Law School – 1979, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Winner of Graham-Douglas Prize for Commercial Law University of Lagos, 1975-78, LLB, Second Class Upper, Winner State Merit Award -, Igbobi College Yaba – 1969-75, School Prize for English Oratory, 1971, 1972; Adeoba Prize for English Oratory 1972-1975; Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC) – 1973, School Prize for Literature (HSC), 1975; African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize, 1974.

[WORK EXPERIENCE]

Simmons Cooper Partners (Barristers and Solicitors), Senior Partner, 2007 till date; University of Lagos, Professor of Law, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, 2007 to 2013; Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Member of Cabinet, Lagos State, 1999 to May 2007 ; United Nations Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN Peacekeeping Personnel around the globe, Member (2006); United Nations Operations in Somalia, Staff Member, Justice Division, UNOSOM II; Law Firm of Osinbajo, Kukoyi & Adokpaye, Partner; University of Lagos, Professor of Law and Head of Department of Public Law (1997-1999), Federal Government of Nigeria, Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (legal advice and litigation), 1988-1992; University of Lagos, Senior Lecturer I (1983-86), Lecturer II (1981-1983), Bendel Development and Planning Authority, Legal Officer (Youth Service),1979-1980

[PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES]

International Criminal Court, Counsel, 2012 Citibank (Nigeria), Independent Director, appointed in 2008; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, 2002 ; African Development Bank, Ethics Adviser, Advisory Board; Asset and Resource Management Company Limited (ARM), Board Member, 2011 Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria, Consultant, analysis of Legislation on Universal Basic Education, 2010; United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Assessing the Efficiency and Impact of African Anti-Corruption Commissions, Consultant, 2009; International Bar Association, delegation to South Africa to consider the issue of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, Member, 2008; Board of Studies of the Council for Legal Education, Member, 2003-2007; Body of Benchers, Member, 1999-2007; Council of Legal Education, Member,1997-2007; International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Arusha on training of Prosecutors, Consultant (2004); Revision and Publication of Laws of Lagos State, Coordinator, 2003; Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Member (1999); Ministerial Committee for Review of Minerals Laws and Regulations, Member, (1996); ECOWAS, Eminent person group for the Harmonisation of the Commercial Laws of ECOWAS States, Member (1996); National Committee on the Review of Solid Mineral Laws, Member, 1996; Expert advisory team to Ethiopia to advice parliament on Legal aspects of Democratisation, Member (1992); National Committee on the Reform and Unification of the Nigerian Criminal Laws and Procedure Codes, Member, 1988-1991; National Committee on Prison Reform, Member, 1991; Compilation and Editorial Committee of Nigeria’s Treaties in Force (1970-1990) (Published in 10 volumes) Coordinator, 1991; United Nations African Institute for Crime Prevention (UNAFRI), Consultant, (1991); Delegation to the Meeting of Senior Officials of Commonwealth Law Ministries, Singapore, Leader, (1990); Task Force on the Revision of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Member, 1990; Commonwealth Ad-Hoc Working Committee on the Protection of Cultural Property, Member, (1990); Senate of Lagos State University, Member ; Senate of the University of Lagos, Member; Convention on Business Integrity, Co-founder & Chairman, Justice Research Institute Ltd. Gte., Board Member , THE ORDERLY SOCIETY TRUST, Executive Director Negotiation and Conflict Management International Board Member, United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations/Training Programmes in Negotiating International Commercial/Financial Agreements for Senior Government and Private Sector Officials; and Providing An Enabling Environment for Foreign Investment in Nigeria, Coordinator; United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations/United Nations Development Programme, Consultant; Commonwealth Working Party on the Commonwealth Advisory Service on Arbitration, Member; Nigerian Delegation to Negotiation of ECOWAS Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, Gambia, Leader ; Governing Board of Legal Research and Resource Development Centre (LRRDC), Member ; Governing Board of Empowerment and Action Research Centre (EMPARC), Member ; International Bar Association, Member; Justice Committee of the Transitional Work Groups of the Governor-Elect Lagos State, Secretary; British Institute of International and Comparative Law, Member.
Membership of Editorial Boards of Learned

[PUBLICATIONS]

Editorial Advisory Board of the Appellate Review Journal(Published by The Emmanuel Ayoola Foundation); Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law; Nigerian Supreme Court Cases – DSC Publications (Published in 35 volumes); Justice (Journal of Contemporary Legal Problems); Contemporary Law Journal, (Faculty of Law, UNILAG); All Nigeria Law Reports (Published in 31 volumes); LASU Law Journal, Lawyers Bi-Annual, Journal of Finance and Investment Law; National Correspondent Bulletin of Legal Developments, Editorial Director Justice Now legal newspaper.

Membership of Editorial Boards of Non-Legal Publications:
Member, Editorial Advisory Board of the News/Tempo, Editor/Consultant, Human Dignity (Journal of the Human Rights Club), Member, Editorial Board of Scrutiny (Advocacy Bulletin of Integrity)
Publications

[CHAPTERS CONTRIBUTED TO BOOKS]

The Common Law, The Evidence Act and The Interpretation of Section 5(a) in Essays in Honour of Judge Elias (1986) (J.A. Omotola, ed) pgs. 165-18;
Some Reforms in The Nigerian Law of Evidence Chapter in Law and Development (1986), (J.A. Omotola and A.A. Adeogun eds.) pgs. 282-311;
Rules of Evidence in Criminal Trials in the Nigerian Special Military Tribunals Chapter 2 in Essays on Nigerian Law, Vol … 1, Pgs. 28-42. (J.A. Omotola ed),
Some Public Law Considerations in Environmental Protection. Chapter in “Environmental Laws in Nigeria”, (J.A. Omotola ed.) 1990 pgs 128-149,
Domestic and International Protection for Women: “Landmarks on the Journey so Far” in Women and Children under Nigerian Law”. (Awa U. Kalu & Yemi Osinbajo eds.) 1990. pgs. 231-241
Some Problems of Proof of Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Bank Frauds and Other Financial Malpractices in Nigeria (Awa Kalu ed.)
Modalities For The Implementation of The Transition Provisions in The New Constitution in Law Development and Administration, (Yemi Osinbajo & Awa Kalu eds.) FMJL Review Series, (1990).
Legal and Institutional Framework For The Eradication of Drug Trafficking in Nigeria – Narcotics: Laws and Policy in Nigeria (Awa Kalu & Yemi Osinbajo eds.) FMJL Review Series, 1990
Proof of Customary Law in non-Customary Courts, – Towards a Restatement of Nigerian Customary Laws, (Osinbajo & Awa Kalu eds.) 1991,
External Debt Management: Case Study of Nigeria – International Finance and External Debt Management, UNDP/UNCTC, 1991,
Judicial and Quasi-judicial Processing of Economic and organized Crimes: Experiences, Problems etc. Essays in Honour of Judge Bola Ajibola, (Prof. C.O. Okonkwo ed.) 1992,
Human Rights, Economic Development and the Corruption Factor in Human Rights and the Rule of Law and Development in Africa (Paul T. Zeleza et al eds) 2004

[ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN LEARNED JOURNALS]

Legitimacy and Illegitimacy under Nigerian Law Nig. J. Contemp. Law. (1984-87) pgs. 30-45
Unraveling Evidence of Spouses in Nigeria, Legal Practitioners Review Vol. 1 No. 2 1987 pgs. 23-28
Can States Legislate on Rules of Evidence? Nigerian Current Law Review 1985 pgs. 234-242
Problems of Proof in Declaration of Title to Land, Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7, October 1986, pgs. 47-68
Interpretation of Section 131(a) of the Evidence Act. Journal of Private and Property Law Vol. 6 & 7 (1986), pgs. 118-122
Review of Some Decrees of the Structural Adjustment Era (Part 1, 2, 3), (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 2 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law) pgs.60-63, (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 3 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law) pgs. 51-55, (1989) 2 GRBPL No. 4 (Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law)
Current Issues in Transnational Lending and Debt Restructuring Agreements part 1 and 2
Autonomy, Academic Freedom and the Laws Establishing Universities in Nigeria (1990) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 2, pgs. 53-64
Admissibility of Computer Generated Evidence. (1990) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 1 pgs. 9-12
Allegations of Crime in Civil Proceedings, U.I. Law Review 1987
Roles, Duties and Liabilities of Collateral Participants and Professional Advisers in Unit Trust Schemes (1991) Jus. Vol. 1 No. 7 pgs. 71-83
Reform of the Criminal Law of Evidence in Nigeria (1991) Jus. 2 No. 4 Pgs. 71-98
Profit and Loss Sharing Banks – (1990) Jus. Vol. 2 No. 8, Juvenile Justice Administration in Nigeria.
A Review of the Beijing Rules. (1991) Jus. Vol. 2 No. 6. Pgs. 65-73
Sovereign Immunity in International Commercial Arbitration – The Nigerian Experience and emerging state practice- In African Journal of International and Comparative Law, 4 RADIC 1992, page 1-25,
Human Rights and Economic Development in The International Lawyer. 1994, Vol. 28, No. 3 pgs. 727-742
Legality in a Collapsed State: The Somalia Experience 45 ICLQ 1996, pgs. 910-924.

[BOOKS AUTHORED/EDITED]

Integration of the African Continent Through Law” (Edward Foakes Publishers, 1989, vol. 7, Federal Ministry of Justice Law Review Series)
Towards A Better Administration of Justice System in Nigeria” (Edward Foakes Publishers, 1989)
Women and Children Under Nigerian Law with (Awa kalu Co. Ed.) FMJL Review Series
The Unification and Reform of the Nigerian Criminal Law and Procedure Codes with (Awa Kalu Co. Ed.) – (Malthouse Press), 1990, FMJL Review Series
Law Development and Administration (Malthouse Press), 1990
Narcotics: Law and Policy in Nigeria, FMJL Review Series 1990
Nigerian Media Law, with (Prof. PK Fogam) GRAVITAS Publishers 1991
Perspectives on Human Rights in Nigeria with (Awa Kalu, Co.Ed) FMJL Review Series 1991
Democracy and the Law, FMJL Review Series, 1991
Perspectives on Corruption in Nigeria, FMJL Review Series 1992
Cases and Materials on Nigerian Law of Evidence, Macmillan, 1996
The Citizens Report Card on Local Governments (with Omayeli Omatsola) 1998
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – A training Agenda for Nigeria (with Bankole Olubamise and Yinka Balogun,) Legal Research and Resource Development Centre, 1998
Annotated Rules of the Superior Courts of Nigeria (with Ade Ipaye) Lexis-Nexis Butterworths 2004
Cross Examination: A Trial Lawyer’s Most Potent Weapon (with Fola-Arthur Worrey) Lexis-Nexis Butterworths 2006

[MONOGRAPHS]

Problems and Prospects of Development Control 2004
Elections and Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria 2009
The Imperative of Electoral Reforms – A Critical Element of Constitutional Re-engineering of Nigeria 2009
Strengthening The Code Of Conduct Bureau 2009
Building Ethical Institutions: The Experience Of The Lagos State Judiciary 2009
The State Of Criminal Justice In Nigeria: Challenges And Opportunities 2009
Transparency And Ethical Considerations In The Development Of The Nigerian Economy 2009
The Responsibility Of Privilege 2010
Reforming Civil Procedure Rules: The Lagos State Experience 2010
Understanding How The Legal Process Works In Business 2010
The Modern Justice Delivery Technique 2010
Challenges Of Enforcement Of Securities In Nigeria 2010
Political Institutions And Electoral Integrity 2010
Development and Policy Use of Criminal Justice Information and Statistics 2010
The Retreat of the Legal Process 2011
The Rule of Law: The Foundations are Shaking 2011
Structuring Criminal Justice Administration In A Federal State: Priorities For Nigeria 2011
Regulatory Framework for Curbing Internet Crimes and Money Laundering 2014
Leadership and Legacy: The Power of One 2014
Repositioning Nigerian Universities For The 21st Century: Paradigms For Innovation And Change 2014
Delays In Justice Administration: Beyond The Rules And The Law 2014
Towards A More Transparent And Merit‐Based Judicial Recruitment System In States Judicial Service Commissions 2014
The Rule of Law and National Development 2014

[AWARDS]

Lagos State Government An award in recognition of invaluable 09/Sept/1999 contribution as member, Justice Committee of Lagos Transition Work Group
Lagos State Government An award in recognition of invaluable 09/Sept/1999 contribution as MEMBER, policy committee of Lagos Transition Work Group
Nigerian Bar Association Merit Award for outstanding
Ikeja Branch contributions to the Bench and Bar and 15/June/2001 commitment to the rule of law in Lagos
Lagos State Judiciary Award for invaluable support
06/Dec/2003 towards the upliftment and growth of administration of justice in Lagos State Judiciary
Nigerian Bar Association Outstanding Practitioner award in 2004 recognition of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
(SAN)’s contribution to the legal profession and the Nigerian Bar Association
Magistrates Association of Nigeria Award of excellence in recognition of 09/Dec/2005 meritorious and selfless service to magistracy and humanity
Lagos State House of Assembly Outstanding performance award 28/April/2005 (The House Committee on Judiciary Human Rights and Public Petition)
Nigeria Bar Association Award of honour in appreciation of an Ikeja Branch immense contribution to the 26/May/2006 development of constitutionalism in Nigeria.
Thisday Newspaper Nomination as Legal Practitioner of the year 2006
Lagos State Ministry of Justice An Award in recognition of an April, 2007 eight year tenure of resourceful motivational and revolutionary leadership of the Justice sector in Lagos state
Nigerian Leadership Initiative Award for exemplary leadership in July 2007 government
Committee for the Distinguished Mediators Award
Defence of Human Rights in recognition of selfless commitment
20/Sept/2010 to peace and development
Lagos State Government Emeritus Ambassador for the
Ministry of Environment Environment
2010
Lagos State Government An Award in recognition of an outstanding 2010 contribution to the development of the Justice Sector of Lagos State
Nigerian Lawyers Association Law and Justice Award. In recognition of December 2011 an exceptional and remarkable service in the academia and the public sector, dedication to advocating for and implementing Judicial Reform in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Judiciary and An Award in recognition of a meritorious.
The Lagos State Multi-Door service on The Lagos Multi- door
Courthouse 2014 Courthouse Governing Council.

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo will soon be officially be in the race for president, where his long-awaited answer to the biggest political question in the country in the past few months will soon come to an end , when he joins other ideologically diverse progressives vying to become the party’s 2023 presidential flag-bearer.

The Vice-President is the most prominent name to enter the crowded field of APC candidates competing to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2023 election.
To the teeming supporters and sympathizers calling and requesting Professor Yemi Osinbajo to declare his intentions for the future, I wish to assure us that, with my belief for PYO as a servant-leader, he is listening to all the calls and I am optimistic he is reflecting and will finally succumb to our demands.

Professor Osinbajo is one candidate that will not disappoint us even as we await the APC’s Primary Election. As our favorite for the ticket, if VP Osinbajo formally declares, he will be contesting the nomination at the party’s primary in May.
Professor Osinbajo has a track record and we his supporters can only campaign based on his track records, and we believe by showcasing to Nigerians those unbeatable and unmatching records, Nigerians will believe and agree with us that PYO will be APC’s best aspirant to contest as flag-bearer for the APC.

Among the numerous contenders, only PYO controls the support base of the party which will make it difficult for anyone to contest him, so he is no doubt the APC’s best hope of retaining power come 2023.
Despite our deep respect for all the individuals within our party who have put themselves up for the same slot, we have shown up here in this number, because we genuinely believe that VP Osinbajo represents our best hope of retaining power to continue the transformation agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari for a better Nigeria as evidenced in the very good work PMB did between 2015 to date, which will not be allowed to be truncated by the obvious deception of the PDP.

VP Osinbajo has the most progressive record of anybody running for the presidency or anybody who would run. He has the intelligence, with no doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign.

No doubt PYO is the most qualified person in the country to be president because only him will battle for Nigeria’s soul. To know Osinbajo is to know love for Nigeria without pretence, service without self-regard, and to live life fully.

Our support for PYO is unflinching because we trust him and place our confidence on him because we believe PYO’s presidency will work not to divide, but to unify Nigeria which is what we need at this trying times of our nation’s history. A presidency that will not only work for South, North or East but a United Nigeria.

We shall have a president that will work with all his heart to win the confidence of the whole people. For that is what Osinbajo’s presidency will be all about: The PEOPLE!

PYO will be seeking the office of the president only to restore the soul of Nigeria, rebuild the backbone of the nation and make Nigeria respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.

Making this vision a reality is only by supporting and electing PYO during the 2023 elections.

Osinbajo’s presidency is to build the nation’s prosperity, secure our country, restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.

Let supporting Prof. Yemi Osinbajo be the decision, the decision we should all make in order to restore the soul of Nigeria.

Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses, it is time for our better angels to prevail.

Prof. Osinbajo’s presidency will give every Nigerian the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them, because he believed in the possibility of this country and its citizenry.

With Osinbajo presidency, we shall have a freer and more just Nigeria; a presidency that will create jobs with dignity and respect, a presidency that will never leave anyone behind.

With Prof. Osinbajo as president, we shall have a united, strengthened and healed nation, that will be built on a bedrock of justice, constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern.

Let supporting Prof. Yemi Osinbajo be the decision, the decision we should all make in order to restore the soul of Nigeria.

Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses, it is time for our better angels to prevail.

Prof. Osinbajo’s presidency will give every Nigerian the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them, because he believed in the possibility of this country and its citizenry.

With Osinbajo presidency, we shall have a freer and more just Nigeria; a presidency that will create jobs with dignity and respect, a presidency that will never leave anyone behind.

With Prof. Osinbajo as president, we shall have a united, strengthened and healed nation, that will be built on a bedrock of justice, constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern.

Suwaid, is Director Planning and Strategy, Osinbajo Support Organization/ SA Media and Publicity to Hon. Hafiz Kawu, Member House of Representatives, Tarauni federal constituency.

PYO will declare last and win first.

The incumbent APC chairman, Sen Adamu was the last to declare his intention to contest the seat of the national chairmanship of the APC. He did not paste any poster, neither was he in the media. In doggo, he concluded his consultation, received the clearance from notable Governors and completed it with the nod of Mr president. Barely few weeks to the convention, he declared to run, others, left with zero option, dropped their ambition for him to be elected. It thus suffices that Mr Tinubu's abdication of his purported life-long ambition to rule Nigeria is imminent or he defect to his phoney SDP. Without any scintilla of doubt, PYO will run. Nigerians wants him. He will declare last, and win first. Take that to the bank.

Azeem Salako

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN along with Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zullum and Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi witness the formal handing over of the Muhammadu Indimi Centre for International Studies at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State. 7th April, 2022. Photos; Tolani Alli

Photos; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the 90th Birthday and Church Dedication of St Peters Catholic Church Epe, Lagos and attends the 80th Birthday Thanksgiving Church Service of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey at Decross Church in Agege, Lagos. 3rd April, 2022. Photos; Tolani Alli