₦airaland Forum

We can’t wait

Although not many people take him serious but United States-based Nigerian professor, Farouk Kperogi has earned for himself a reputation of one with undisguised bile, not just for anything Buhari but also the nation, and he has added a few more enemies to his long list.
Recently, Kperogi has become a self-appointed enemy of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and he's relishing the appetite of his equally undiscerning and mischievous readers with fabricated falsehood.
Against all intents and logics, even when it has been disputed by people who should know, Kperogi kept alleging that Osinbajo, should he be trusted with power and Nigeria's president, will Christianize Nigeria.
Laughable as this sounds, it beats imagination that anyone would get drowned in Kperogi's narrative, with his unscholarly eavesdropping and beer parlour gists, and when he did at all, clinging only to hearsays.
However, against all his pretences and disguise, the hatchet writer has been unveiled to be doing the bidding of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi, who eyes the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, this newspaper can reliably gathered, is bankrolling Kperogi to advance vicious and damaging propaganda to tarnish the reputation of the Vice President with the intent to sow hatred against him from among the Northern population.
The plot, this newspaper learnt, was to twist the  faith of Osinbajo, who is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and recent creation of the political directorate by the Church, to blackmail the Vice President.
Kperogi's paymaster, has for some time detailed a team to search out Prof Osinbajo to see the possibility of nailing him on corruption allegations, but having failed to lay hand on any of such, resolved that turning the Northern population against him would be fait accompli to make him unattractive to the Muslim voters.
Although he has not yet declare interest to run for the 2023 presidential election, notwithstanding, the Vice President has become a subject of bitter attack from contenders within the ruling party and beyond, especially from those that believe that his interest would pose a major threat to their chances should he throw in the hat to contest. And Kperogi has become a willing tool.
Political observers believe that the Osinbajo campaign team has to brace up for more attacks from the likes of Kperogi.
This, they opined will get messier and fierce as the chances of Osinbajo become brighter, so also will the desperation to rein him in and jerk him to surrender, regardless of how unfounded the allegations might be.
The Minister's handlers had narrowed down on  Kperogi's choice for the hatchet job sensing that he would not be easily suspected, in view of his past attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari with whom he was similarly fixated in the past.

https://abujacityjournal.com/news.php?a=SHOCKING:-Rotimi-Amaechi-Behind-Kperogi-s-Attacks-on-Osinbajo

These videos show Osinbajo's interactions with Muslim community.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqb1NlbG7Hk

Osinbajo is a leader who loves all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhKVFTavSw

OSINBAJO DIDN'T NEED IMMUNITY AFTER SERVING AS LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL, NORTHERNERS REPLY GROUP

The Northern wing of the Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM)
has blasted an unknown group called the Arewa Civil Society Group's statement regarding the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, for baselessly claiming that the VP was seeking immunity against potential prosecution after the 2023 elections, even though he has not declared interest in the electoral race.

The OSM in a statement by its Northern Zonal Coordinators, Hon. Aliko Shaibu (North West), Alhaji Ibraheem Bello (North East) and Dr. Emmanuel Tembe (North Central) noted that Arewa Civil Society Group allegations against the VP are merely a rehash of the same set of bogus lies that have already been discredited and debunked over and again.

OSM statement reads in full;

“The attention of Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM) has been drawn to the statement credited to one Arewa Civil Society Groups making outrightly false and damaging remarks on the person of Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

Without mincing words, it is safe to assert that from the tone of the group's message, they are misguided and have no regard for truth, facts nor does the group understand the meaning of credibility. A review of the allegations they tabled are the same set of rehashed allegations against the VP that have been presented several times and equally debunked over and again.

A simple check of his activities will reveal the level of the Vice President's personal intergrity, commitment to the public spirit and a loyalty to the nation, as a steward of public trust. There is simply no way anyone can possibly describe Prof. Osinbajo as a corrupt man, not to talk of someone hiding from prosecution.

While well-meaning Nigerians certainly understand that this is a shadowy organisation without any following whatsoever, we as a grassroot organisation that reflects the views of the Arewa among credible others can say without hesitation that this unknown band of individuals are by no means the mouthpiece of the Northern Nigerians. They lack the capacity to be and their pretensions are way to exposed such that no one can be fooled.

Having reviewed and researched the composition of the so-called Arewa Civil Society Group, what becomes easily certain is that here is just another fraction of nobodies seeking out the cheap payout from opposition pololiticians.

How are we to compare their warped views on the VP with those of several prominent Northern elites who have made beautiful comments about the Vice President acknowledging his outstanding leadership prowess and patriotism to the country.”

“For the group to have claimed that His Excellency Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the VP was seeking immunity against potential prosecution after the 2023 elections, is not only laughable but an outright falsehood. The Arewa group is running for a shadow. Prof Yemi Osinbajo has never been and is not involved in any act of corruption. Despite the mudslinging from critics in the past, the Vic President has come out clean and without blemish. The repetition of such false claim of fraud is another attempt by such devious group to tarnish the VP’s image. However, their selfish motives will not see the light of day, as Osinbajo has proven himself as a man of integrity.

This distinct quality distinguishes him from other politicians who aims for the same office, and we believe it haunts Arewa Civil Society Groups in constant and their paymasters that such a person will be an obvious disturbance to their plans to milk the nation.

Under the supervision of the Office of the Vice President Office, the National Social Investment Programme was regarded as the most successful and impactful social welfare scheme in sub-saharan Africa, and has received global recognition for its social impact. We believe this glowing pedigree of the NSIP under the VP poses a headache to some. The NSIPs has gotten local and global commendation as the only Social Investment Programme in decades that prioritises the common man and reached the depth of the grassroots. It is also established that the success of programme was one of the variables that drove Nigeria out of recession and drew millions out of poverty, according in the recently released independent report from a foreign fact-checking firm.

For instance, independent groups in 2019 commended the N-SIP for its impact on alleviating poverty, providing jobs for unemployed Nigerians and improving small businesses nationwide. In separate reports, the groups – Action Aid, of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) – commended the NSIP for meeting the urgent needs of Nigerians in different areas including providing employment, supporting small businesses and poverty alleviation.

Also, the N-SIPs, under the office of the Vice President, was recorded to have impacted over 12 million direct beneficiaries and over 30 million indirect beneficiaries, comprising family members, employees of beneficiaries, cooks and farmers. The NSIP has been quite effective in cushioning the effects of the recession, while bringing hundreds of thousands of households out of extreme poverty.

In terms of transparency, all financial approvals, payments and spending were appropriated and accounted for throughout the period the NSIP was under the supervision of the Office of the VP. In fact all such financial transactions were conducted outside the Presidency by the Ministry of Budget & National Planning. Prof Yemi Osinbajo charted the policy directions of the programme, winning laurels and awards both in the country or abroad.

The Vice President stands tall and can raise his heads high and quite frankly, this is why many Nigerians are rooting for him as President.”

“This is to serve a note of warning to the group and others that painting innocent individuals with tar in the public is not a license to electoral victory for their candidate. Political campaigns, engagements and pursuits should be issues-based, not woven with lies, innuendos, subterfuge and character assassination.

Finally Prof. Osinbajo served for 8 years as Attorney General of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, he didn't need immunity afterwards. Before then his first political appointment was as Special Adviser (between 1988 and 1992) to Chief Bola Ajibola, SAN as Attorney General of the Federation. He never needed immunity then. So what is this foolishness that this pay-for-hire merchants of lies are forming?

We exist to secure the future of our nations, and therefore, the OSM will not allow lies to prevail over the truth and facts.

Already some media outlets have seen through the foolishness of the claim and have deleted the story. We ask Nigerians to also ignore this rented crowd!

OSINBAJO DIDN'T NEED IMMUNITY AFTER SERVING AS LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL, NORTHERNERS REPLY GROUP

The Northern wing of the Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM) has blasted an unknown group called the Arewa Civil Society Group's statement regarding the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, for baselessly claiming that the VP was seeking immunity against potential prosecution after the 2023 elections, even though he has not declared interest in the electoral race.

The OSM in a statement by its Northern Zonal Coordinators, Hon. Aliko Shaibu (North West), Alhaji Ibraheem Bello (North East) and Dr. Emmanuel Tembe (North Central) noted that Arewa Civil Society Group allegations against the VP are merely a rehash of the same set of bogus lies that have already been discredited and debunked over and again.

OSM statement reads in full;

“The attention of Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM) has been drawn to the statement credited to one Arewa Civil Society Groups making outrightly false and damaging remarks on the person of Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

Without mincing words, it is safe to assert that from the tone of the group's message, they are misguided and have no regard for truth, facts nor does the group understand the meaning of credibility. A review of the allegations they tabled are the same set of rehashed allegations against the VP that have been presented several times and equally debunked over and again.

A simple check of his activities will reveal the level of the Vice President's personal intergrity, commitment to the public spirit and a loyalty to the nation, as a steward of public trust. There is simply no way anyone can possibly describe Prof. Osinbajo as a corrupt man, not to talk of someone hiding from prosecution.

While well-meaning Nigerians certainly understand that this is a shadowy organisation without any following whatsoever, we as a grassroot organisation that reflects the views of the Arewa among credible others can say without hesitation that this unknown band of individuals are by no means the mouthpiece of the Northern Nigerians. They lack the capacity to be and their pretensions are way to exposed such that no one can be fooled.

Having reviewed and researched the composition of the so-called Arewa Civil Society Group, what becomes easily certain is that here is just another fraction of nobodies seeking out the cheap payout from opposition pololiticians.

How are we to compare their warped views on the VP with those of several prominent Northern elites who have made beautiful comments about the Vice President acknowledging his outstanding leadership prowess and patriotism to the country.”

“For the group to have claimed that His Excellency Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the VP was seeking immunity against potential prosecution after the 2023 elections, is not only laughable but an outright falsehood. The Arewa group is running for a shadow. Prof Yemi Osinbajo has never been and is not involved in any act of corruption. Despite the mudslinging from critics in the past, the Vic President has come out clean and without blemish. The repetition of such false claim of fraud is another attempt by such devious group to tarnish the VP’s image. However, their selfish motives will not see the light of day, as Osinbajo has proven himself as a man of integrity.

This distinct quality distinguishes him from other politicians who aims for the same office, and we believe it haunts Arewa Civil Society Groups in constant and their paymasters that such a person will be an obvious disturbance to their plans to milk the nation.

Under the supervision of the Office of the Vice President Office, the National Social Investment Programme was regarded as the most successful and impactful social welfare scheme in sub-saharan Africa, and has received global recognition for its social impact. We believe this glowing pedigree of the NSIP under the VP poses a headache to some. The NSIPs has gotten local and global commendation as the only Social Investment Programme in decades that prioritises the common man and reached the depth of the grassroots. It is also established that the success of programme was one of the variables that drove Nigeria out of recession and drew millions out of poverty, according in the recently released independent report from a foreign fact-checking firm.

For instance, independent groups in 2019 commended the N-SIP for its impact on alleviating poverty, providing jobs for unemployed Nigerians and improving small businesses nationwide. In separate reports, the groups – Action Aid, of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) – commended the NSIP for meeting the urgent needs of Nigerians in different areas including providing employment, supporting small businesses and poverty alleviation.

Also, the N-SIPs, under the office of the Vice President, was recorded to have impacted over 12 million direct beneficiaries and over 30 million indirect beneficiaries, comprising family members, employees of beneficiaries, cooks and farmers. The NSIP has been quite effective in cushioning the effects of the recession, while bringing hundreds of thousands of households out of extreme poverty.

In terms of transparency, all financial approvals, payments and spending were appropriated and accounted for throughout the period the NSIP was under the supervision of the Office of the VP. In fact all such financial transactions were conducted outside the Presidency by the Ministry of Budget & National Planning. Prof Yemi Osinbajo charted the policy directions of the programme, winning laurels and awards both in the country or abroad.

The Vice President stands tall and can raise his heads high and quite frankly, this is why many Nigerians are rooting for him as President.”

“This is to serve a note of warning to the group and others that painting innocent individuals with tar in the public is not a license to electoral victory for their candidate. Political campaigns, engagements and pursuits should be issues-based, not woven with lies, innuendos, subterfuge and character assassination.

Finally Prof. Osinbajo served for 8 years as Attorney General of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, he didn't need immunity afterwards. Before then his first political appointment was as Special Adviser (between 1988 and 1992) to Chief Bola Ajibola, SAN as Attorney General of the Federation. He never needed immunity then. So what is this foolishness that this pay-for-hire merchants of lies are forming?

We exist to secure the future of our nations, and therefore, the OSM will not allow lies to prevail over the truth and facts.

Already some media outlets have seen through the foolishness of the claim and have deleted the story. We ask Nigerians to also ignore this rented crowd!

Exposed: Amaechi refused FEC resolution to represent N3.7billion rail security memo seven months after rejection.

There was not a single Minister who supported the memo due to dubious issues, Investigation reveals
After what turned out to be a bogus memo, proposing an unknown questionable company for a multi-billion Naira Railway security contract, the Federal Executive Council asked the Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi to go back and do his homework properly and represent the memo. For seven months now, he has not, Quest Times investigation revealed.
Now, facts are beginning to emerge on how the Minister has refused to implement that FEC resolution and failed to re-present the memo which requested funding for the procurement of equipment to secure the Abuja-Kaduna railway to the Federal Executive Council after it was initially turned down.

According to a member of the FEC, since September 24, 2021, Amaechi is yet to produce the rejected memo to the FEC as requested by the Council at a meeting presided over by the  Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
That was 7 months ago and at a rate of one FEC meeting per week, the Minister had 28 weeks of FEC meetings to represent up to last week before the train attack but simply abandoned the memo, only to be crying wolf now, a top FG source explained.

Recall that during an inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by terrorists on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Amaechi disclosed that he presented a memo to the FEC to procure security equipment to protect the rail from attacks, but it was turned down. He said nothing to the media then about the shady nature of the company he was going to give the contract to neither did he inform the journalists with him at that Kaduna station that he has simply ignored the conclusion of FEC that the memo be redone properly and quickly represented for approval.

Media reports in Punch, The Cable, Premium Times and Sahara Reporters yesterday (Friday morning to be specific) have already detailed the problems with Amaechi’s questionable memo, before a watery piece of news article was being shopped around by the evening trying to fraudulently change the narrative of what happened.

A source confirmed to Quest Times that “FEC had doubts about the capability of a company, which was formed less than two years prior and had no track record of handling a contract of N3.7billion or a contract on surveillance systems. The company was also to be paid upfront. There were serious concerns also about a conflict of interest when it was hinted that the owners of the bogus company, Mogjan Nigeria Limited, was a close confidant of the Minister with no experience whatsoever in security or technology-related assignments.”
The source revealed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari in particular questioned the memo, with not one single member of the council speaking in favour. Everyone that spoke roundly questioned the memo severely. Indeed Amaechi was unhappy that the memo did not have any support whatsoever.
It was after the round of condemnations by FEC members that the VP who presided then directed the Transport Minister to go back and fix the issues raised and bring back the memo to the Council for reconsideration and approval.
A FEC member told Quest Times that in the last 7 years, Amaechi has lost the trust of many of his colleagues in the Council and he has become a laughing stock for producing memos requesting contracts with “dodgy owners and companies”. This has gone on to irk the minister himself and he has openly tried to fight back angrily during FEC meetings. But the source said each time, Amaechi could not prevail because the questions raised are so critical and revealed clear potential for bare-faced corruption.

https://www.thequesttimes.com/exposed-amaechi-refused-fec-resolution-to-represent-n3-7billion-rail-security-memo-seven-months-after-rejection/

Several Ministers rubbished the memo, and the VP asked him to.represent it according to the minutes of the meeting.

A lot of people can testify to this and since then, Amaechi refused to represent the memo.

Why has he not represented since then and now? Calculate the time difference.

It is also common knowledge that one of the owners of the company he recommended, Chioma Momoh is his girlfriend.

Some of those who spotted errors and raised questions the memo were the Chief of Staff and SGF. NO one single minister spoke in favour of the memo.

In fact, Amaechi has become sort of a laughing stock for often bringing questionable memos with dodgy owners and Co.

Amaechi has often become annoyed on how his colleague ministers often knock down some of his memos.

https://saharareporters.com/2022/04/01/train-attack-leaked-memo-reveals-why-vice-president-osinbajo-chief-staff-gambari

Ameachi na crook

A leaked memo the Punch said it obtained explained that the FEC rejected the request because of doubts over the financial and technical worthiness of the company Amaechi recommended for the contract.

According to the memo, Amaechi recommended Mogjan Nigeria Limited, a firm incorporated on August 6, 2019 by Prince Godwin Momoh, Chioma Momoh and George Momoh, with just a turnover of N84.9 million.

He reportedly stated that the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) had reviewed the process of procurement and given a certificate of no objection for the contract.

The memo further disclosed that the minister told the meeting which was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that the contract would be funded from the N71.4.billion budget of the transportation ministry.

1. *Minutes of the FEC meeting indicated that other ministers at the session questioned the capacity of the firm to deliver the contract.*

2. *It was also observed that Amaechi failed to provide proper details on the capabilities of the equipment.*

3. *From the minutes, participants at the meeting also observed that there were no public records to show that the company had executed such a project in the past. It was also not certain that the firm was capable of executing the one being recommended by Amaechi.*

https://www.icirnigeria.org/train-attack-leaked-memo-shows-why-amaechis-n3-7-billion-security-equipment-was-rejected-by-fec/

TELL OF HIS "LOVE FOR ALL NIGERIANS"

_*VP receives leaders from several Muslim groups across the country_

_*Says engagement with people key, tolerance, unity, vital for peace in multi-religious society_

_*Muslim Students' Leader praises VP for his “invaluable contribution to nation-building”_

Unity and tolerance are crucial values needed to safeguard peace and stability in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Wednesday evening when he received a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of Imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders from all over the country.

The delegation of more than 25 Islamic clerics, intellectuals and leaders of different groups was drawn from higher institutions, National Council of Ulamas, Qadiriyya Movement, Fitiyanul Islam of Nigeria, Dariya Sect, National Council of Muslim Youths, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Jammat Tajdidul Islamy, Salafiyya Youth Movement, Imams from the National Mosque and Legislative Quarters in Apo, Abuja among others.

Addressing the delegation led by Prof. Siraj Abdulkarim from ABU Zaria, the National Chairman of the Community & Youth Development, (CYD is a public affairs group of Ulamas), the VP also noted that “until you engage with the people, you can’t tell what they and others want.”

Continuing he said, "engagement is so important, I believe very strongly in engagement." He narrated his experience since becoming VP on how people welcome engagement by their leaders even in difficult circumstances.

At the meeting which turned out to be an exciting interactive session between the Islamic leaders and the Vice President, issues such as how to promote Nigeria's unity were tabled and discussed.

The delegation members also engaged in good-natured banter on how the interaction was one among men of God and how the VP and his guests all belong to the same constituency of religious leaders in the country.

While welcoming his guests, Prof. Osinbajo noted his delight at the coming of the delegation saying "it is not often that one gets the honour of such a visit."

Earlier, one of the leaders of the delegation, the Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef described the VP as a leader who loves all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences. He added that members of the delegation "are eager to collaborate with Your Excellency."

According to him, "we are here in recognition of your love for all Nigerians and your belief in the harmonious existence of our country. We understand the kind of love you have for all Nigerians."

Abdul Lateef who was formerly Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs also observed that in the VP’S office no less than 18 Muslims were part of the senior cadre of staff including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Rahman Ade Ipaye who is the head of the entire VP’s staff.

The leader of the delegation, Prof. Siraj Abdulkarim also noted that "we are here because we love this country." He added that the unnecessary rivalry between Christians and Muslims has to be doused and called on the VP to initiate a programme to further promote understanding and unity. He also called for a more invigorating fight against corruption in the country.

Also in his remarks, the VP asked members of the delegation to suggest ways for the country to attain more unity and promised that the interaction with members of the delegation and such other groups in the country will not be a one-off.

Having heard from several of the members of the delegation who raised different issues bothering on the unity of the country, good governance, religious harmony among others, the VP stated after about an hour into the meeting "I am enriched from what I have heard today and I have noted all the issues. I wish we had a bit more time. I agree we should engage more. The issues you have raised show us clearly that the future of this country lies with the elites, especially religious and political elites."

Prof. Osinbajo urged religious and political elites to show more responsibility in ensuring peace and positive changes in society. According to him, religious elites, just like the political elites, are responsible for ensuring positive change.

He suggested “the creation of a forum of religious leaders who see themselves more on a rescue mission with the purpose of forging more understanding," among the citizenry.

The VP also observed that Nigeria is a country with both Muslim and Christian population noting that even in the Southwest, both religions are practised in many families. He then said that "as Christians and Muslims we must preach love and tolerance."

In his own remarks, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, said that they (as religious leaders) also have “a duty to pray for Nigeria” which they have been doing.

In the same vein, the President of Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Ustaz Shehu Usman, commended the Vice President for his “invaluable contribution to nation-building,” while another member of the delegation, Sheikh Dr. Haroun Ajah, the Southeast Coordinator of the Council of Ulama praised the Vice President for being “sound, exceptional and intelligent.”

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
31 March 2022

HIGH-LEVEL WEST AFRICA EVENT IN ABEOKUTA:
WE CANNOT SECURE AFRICA BY TURNING DEMOCRATIC CLOCK BACKWARDS, SAYS OSINBAJO

The Africa we want cannot be secured by turning back the hands of the democratic clock, rather by addressing the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition and illiteracy, among others, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this in a keynote address he delivered at a High-level Dialogue on West Africa themed “Rising to the Challenge of Consolidating Democratic Governance”. The dialogue held in Abeokuta was organised by the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA), which has former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

The Vice President said, we know that “we cannot secure the Africa we want by turning back the hands of the democratic clock. We have walked these thorny roads before. We have many decades worth of bitter experience and the unimpeachable lesson of our history is that despotism cannot guarantee the security and prosperity for our people.”

Making reference to political situations in parts of West Africa, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “the recent spate of military interventions across our continent not only portends the risk of a damaging democratic recession, it takes us back to the cycles of extra-constitutional disruptions that plagued us decades ago and which we assumed to be part of a closed chapter of our journey.”

Prof. Osinbajo commended the recent actions of leaders across the continent, noting that “it is a testament to our democratic commitment in Africa that we have been united in condemning the toppling of elected governments in the region.”

He said: “The immediate imposition of sanctions on extraconstitutional regimes by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the concurrence of the AU not only demonstrates our unity of purpose on this issue; it is an unequivocal affirmation of a pan-African consensus on democratic norms.

“Yet we must also acknowledge a criticism that has been levelled against our responses thus far. One highlighting a mismatch between our immediate and uncompromising condemnations of military regimes and our relatively lukewarm reproaches to elected governments that fail to act in ways consistent with democratic values.”

The VP then noted that “the progress of our democracies on this continent must therefore be pursued in terms of the struggle to address the basic problems of ill-health, malnutrition, illiteracy, and famine which daily afflict our people. Where social and economic rights are unsecured, people are unable to fully maximize their civil and political rights. For instance, access to qualitative education enhances and enriches the freedoms of expression, thought and conscience.”

“Conversely, pervasive illiteracy can nullify the freedom of the press. In the progressive vision, political rights and socioeconomic rights are mutually reinforcing. In any event, the fulfilment of the social contract is the enduring value proposition of democracy,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

Prof. Osinbajo however noted that despite the present challenges “this is also a moment of opportunity – one in which we can reflect on our democratic progress, strengthen our institutions, deliver on socio economic development and deepen our commitment to building successful democratic states.”

Other dignitaries at the event included former President of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan and former President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Ernest Koroma, among others.



Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
28th March, 2022

Every werey na prophet.

The intention of that divisive publication is to paint a false picture that Osinbajo has a Christianization agenda in making appointments

FACT
The President according to the Constitution is empowered to handpick presidential aides and by virtue of that, President Buhari appointed all the Aides working in the Office of the Vice President, many of whom are Muslims, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Ade Ipaye.

FACT
The positions following the Deputy Chief of Staff’s in the order of hierarchy, are the Special Advisers in the Office of the Vice President and VP has 5 Special Advisers and 3 are Muslims:
*Senator Babafemi Ojudu from Ekiti State
*Mrs Mariam Uwais from Kano State,
*Engr Ahmad Zakari from Jigawa State

FACT
The Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters in the VP’s Office, Dr. Balkisu Saidu is also a Muslim. She was once quoted on BBC Hausa as saying that, “If you look at the senior positions in office, most of them are in the hands of Muslims from the North. The Director of Protocol and also Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs is Ambassador Abdullahi Gwary from Yobe State; those in charge of welfare and health in the Office of the Vice President are mostly Muslims and from the North.

FACT
VP Osinbajo has been invited by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the highest Muslim Council in Nigeria, to speak on a number of occasions.

FACT
Emirs and Muslim leaders have in the past spoken glowingly of Osinbajo, with the Emir of Daura labelling him a symbol of loyalty and trustworthiness, “When you, VP Osinbajo talk about loyalty and trustworthiness among the political class, you stand as an example worthy of note

FACT
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) said they have confirmed that some of the names listed as Muslims working in the VP’s office are not fictional, adding that the most senior staff working with Osinbajo, a senior pastor with RCCG, is a Muslim. “An innocent man should not be crucified simply because he is a Christian. We insist on truth, fairness and objectivity,” MURIC said.

Why Religious Hypocrites like Kperoogi Farouq should be Ignored - OSM

The Osinbajo Support Movement(OSM) has responded to a recently publicised report labelling the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo a Christian religious bigots and all sorts of unfriendly names with taints to religion. The OSM noted that Kperoogi Farouq should be ignored, “he is a religious hypocrite”.

My Liberty Badmus, the group National Coordinator refuted all claims and denied the allegations. "They are all political games taken too far.", he said.

He acknowledged the need for every political players to be God fearing and desist from casting aspersions on persons for mere political gains.

It is important to state what religious and traditional rules have said about the VP, we believe it will guide Nigerians who already know the more.

"The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh Dr Sa'ad Abubakar is the Ameer-Mumineen(Muslim Leader) in Nigeria, the President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria. His has showered a very balance amount of praises and awesome comments on the person of the VP, a decision taken independently after critical observations and from perspective of logic. The Sultan has acknowledged Prof Osinbajo’s loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari who is a Muslim, and his commitment to the Nigerian project. "He has a leadership given to him by God Almighty, it is a trust and responsibility" - Sultan of Sokoto

We believe nobody can be more of a Muslim than Sultan in Nigeria. He very clearly sees issues and access personalities from an independent perspective void of any bias or political colouration.

Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary-General of NSCIA once said Prof. Osinbajo has successfully combined his religious commitments with public administration, something that is worth emulating.

He is quoted, “He is a model of a person combining religious commitment with public administration. He has done that creditably well. Mr. Vice President, we want to thank you on behalf of the Muslim community of this country. You are a pride to this nation, we thank you and pray that God will continue to be with you”.

“As from today, we will continue to follow you wherever you go as our leader and the captain of the state. Thank you for accepting this honour and I will take this singular privilege to decorate you a little with some part of this traditional title conferred on you.” - Emir of Lafia. Such kind of endorsement and excellent remarks will not be said on someone who is seen as a friend of the Christians and propagator of the Christian agenda alone.

The Emir of Daura said, “He, the vice president, is a nobleman who keeps his promises and a trustworthy person who has so much patience and knows what to do at any given time.

The vice president is a very good man; he is my favourite person. He is a very nice and honest man.”

“Osinbajo concerned about all Nigerians, irrespective of who you’re” ― Etsu Nupe

“We in the North are closely following your steady achievements; first as a successful legal professor, a religious leader and now as the Vice President of Nigeria.

“We are studying your humility and grace; we appreciate you and we pray for more success in your journey.” - Emir of Gombe

Emir Sanusi once told him, “Consider Kano your second home”

“VP Yemi Osinbajo loves and accommodates Muslims despite being a Christian and a member of the clergy.” ~ The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic rights advocacy group.

“In celebration of his 60th birthday, VP Osinbajo and some of his friends established a school for 1,500 orphans in Borno State.

In October 2019, the UAE Embassy in Nigeria organised an Interfaith Tolerance Dialogue and invited VP Osinbajo to speak.

Would a known bigot or a person with a Christianization agenda be invited to speak?

If the man showered all these encomiums is actually a Christian bigot, he would never be close to take all those credits, especially when it comes from very devoted and committed Muslims.

Prof Osinbajo have many Northern titles to his name, and they are as a result of commitment and passion for Northerners as much as he have same for all Nigerians. Notably, Garkuwan Yamma Nupe which means “the Defender of Nupe Kingdom.”

Jagaban Adamawa by the royal father Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa.

Madagun Jihar Nasarawa Meaning “Leader & Captain” by Nasarawa State Traditional Council.

All these are what defines who the Vice President is and not ill-gotten and hate motivated lies from the actual religious bigots who cannot accommodate to see anyone of other faith and creed passionately loving others without ulterior motives.

“The Vice President will remain a noble man irrespective of all circumstances, hatred or peddling of lies for political gains and motives. He is the Vice President of Nigeria and not for Muslims or Christians domination alone. It is very unfortunate and embarrassing that some politically sponsored persons are passing unguided remarks and utterly uncouth statements just to defame the person of the Vice President.

It is against common sense to want to force a citizen of the free world in dictate of how he practices his religion, who he meets and not meet with or align with in the cause of fulfilling is duty.”

“At OSM, we have continued to set records straight and state things as they are. That, Prof Yemi Osinbajo is a proud and patriotic Nigerians across all ethnic, tribal, cultural and religious lines. That, he is a pastor, a proud one. That he is of Yoruba decendant, but a proud and devoted Nigerian. That, he takes his official business and assignment very seriously and with commitment, and he will not be distracted.

Mean while, it is very imperative to assert that we will not take religious peddled lies, innuendos and subterfuge to fly without being checked. Persons like Farooq Kperogi and his cotravellers are heartless, insensitive and nonpatriots. He has never been positive about the present federal government leadership. He is specifically haunted by the intimidating track records and statements of facts and endorsement made by eminent religious personalities, both in Islam and Christianity, thus, want to turn narratives around for his own naive view and devilish political interest.”

“OSM is informed that all these lies told around the VP is an attempt to stop him from vying for President in 2023. It is a dead scheming on arrival. Prof Osinbajo is running and will win. If that makes them bitter, we urge them to repent now, because Prof Yemi Osinbajo will be President for all, irrespective of the hate.”

Senators got $3000k each, Representatives $2000k
They expected at least $10,000 each
How Naira rain caused fight between Ondo, Ekiti Obas
Reports have emerged that the recent visit of presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, to the National Assembly, left disappointment and sour taste in the mouths of some of the legislators.

Tinubu recently paid a ‘plea’ visit to the All Progress Congress, APC, lawmakers in support for his presidential bid.

Those who expected that the Asiwaju Tinubu’s presidential campaign would be an unrelenting distribution of raw cash along the way, may not be wrong after all. But don’t tell that to the members of the ruling APC caucus who received the former Lagos State Governor.

Two days ago, Wednesday March 16, 2022, the All Progressives Congress caucus in the House of Representatives received the former Governor but now they could be heard expressing disappointment that what they were given as “kolanut” for the meeting was disappointing.

Some members of the National Assembly who confirmed this to Quest Times said “most members expected at least $10,000 each, so there is some sense of disappointment that Reps got only $2,000 and Senators got only $3,000.”

A member who was disgusted by the whole thing said “the shameless way some of the NASS members especially Representatives were complaining that they expected more from Asiwaju is so bad, coming from elected representatives of the Nigerian people.”

Media reports had relayed that Tinubu visited the National Assembly to address the APC caucus in the Senate and House, and got a voice endorsement during the House of Representatives meeting.

The meeting with the Senators didn’t have such a ringing endorsement however, but some of the members may have been attracted to the meeting and joined the “voice endorsement” in the hope for at least $10k.

“But now, some of them are feeling short-changed, even though they collected their portions of the medium dollar rain.”

This is not the first time that a consultation meeting by Asiwaju and the attendant sharing of cash will leave behind it sour tales. It happened not too long ago when the former governor visited traditional rulers in Ekiti and Ondo states not too long ago.
How Tinubu’s Naira rain tears apart Ondo Monarchs
In Ondo State specifically, the cash left behind “a wide gulf between the minority Class A kings and the majority 130 Crowns in the Sunshine State,  who belong to the B and C grades.”
According to a journalist from the state; “the Presidential aspirant and former Governor of Lagos State famous for keeping cash in bullion vans, Tinubu brought sacks of Naira as homage to the royal fathers in their domains.
His entourage’s first port of call was Ondo South Senatorial District, where they met the Obas at an Events Centre in Okitipupa.
Below is the narration from the journalist:
After exchanging pleasantries and declaring his intention to contest the 2023 Presidential Election, Tinubu’s aides were said to have rolled in millions of Naira notes stacked in Ghana-Must-Go bags, for the kings to share.
N30m was allocated to each of the three senatorial political zones.
Whereas things went according to plan under the supervision of HRM Olugbo in the South, what obtained in Central and North Senatorial Districts were outright row and chaos. A cold war indeed!
In Akure, 18 Monarchs met Tinubu in the Palace of the Deji of Akure, but only 3 of them are Grade A while 15 are in B and C categories.
Surprisingly, we learnt from insiders that only a meagre N5m was doled out to the 15 rulers to share while the chunk was kept by the few three senior monarchs.
To worsen the situation, no information on the actual largesse was given to the second class Obas.
Rage then set in and the N5m offered, by a popular politician in Ondo State, was reportedly dumped at the doorstep of the Paramount ruler of Akure land, the Deji.
The protesting royals were said to have staged a walk out without collecting the money.

A similar ugly incident transpired in the North Senatorial District meeting held in Owo, where monarchs converged on the Palace of the new Olowo of Owo.
The 7 Grade A Obas present were said to have outsmarted the 26 B and C kings, who were blocked from knowing what transpired between the August Visitor and the royals.
At the end of the day, after Team Tinubu had left, a paltry sum of  N5.7m was dished out by the Coordinating Grade A Oba Olowo, to the 26 representatives of the lower cadre royals.
Having failed to disclose the total monetary gift from the Lagos frontline politician, anger got the best of the cheated Grade B and C Obas, who politely declined collecting their own ‘share’ of ‘Tinubu’s cake.’
Efforts were made to settle the matter equitably and fairly, in order to keep the issue off the public domain.

https://www.thequesttimes.com/exclusive-apc-nass-members-disappointed-by-tinubus-dollar-rain-during-meeting-with-caucus/

NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD CAN DEVELOP FURTHER WITHOUT CONTRIBUTIONS OF ITS SCIENTISTS – OSINBAJO

VP harps on importance of business environment reforms, receives PEBEC mid-term report on National Action Plan 7.0


Due to their centrality, especially in the age of technology, Nigerian scientists should get adequate support in the drive towards national development.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Monday when he received, on a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a delegation of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health.

The NIRPD delegation, which was led by its Director-General/CEO, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, made a short presentation to the Vice President on its projects which focused on three thematic areas: uterine fibroids, prostate issues and men’s health, and sickle cell disorder.

Acknowledging the work being done by the Institute in the areas of medical research and pharmacology, the Vice President said he was proud of the amount of work being done by them.

“I’m truly proud of what is going on in NIPRD; the sheer amount of serious work that is coming out of there. And I am pleased that at least we are taking our scientists seriously. I don’t believe that there is any country in the world that can really appear to be doing well, not to talk of doing well, if they don’t take their scientists seriously.

“It is very evident that we must do something more serious about our scientists; and we must continue to ensure that they provide the leadership in terms of innovation, medical research, engineering and all of the various other areas that are important to our development.”

Referencing the inadequate access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries at the height of the global pandemic, the VP stated that “Africa needs to do a lot more in terms of developing capacity to solving our problems.”

This is one of the reasons why the VP commended the work being done by the Institute.

“Everybody at the end of the day will solve their own problems. And I think that we have all the capacity to do so, and that capacity is very well represented in NIPRD, in the excellent talents and experience that you have put together,” he noted.

The Vice President further observed that it is becoming increasingly important to provide requisite incentives to encourage and reward local scientists.

“Here in Nigeria, obviously, we need a bit more in terms of being able to manage and reward talents so that people remain and then are able to do the work,” he said.

Prof. Osinbajo praised the NIPRD team for providing solutions to local issues and being able to deliver on its mandate within the limited resources it has, while assuring them of the Federal Government's continued support in improving their capacity and infrastructure.

“We should continue, and push even more, in that direction,” he added.

The DG/CEO of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, in his remarks, thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for its continued support.

He also commended the Vice President for championing the progress and development of the Institute, noting that the VP’s remarks at the Institute’s conference in October 2021 was a major inspiration behind their ongoing projects.

Prof. Osinbajo had declared the three-day International Conference on Health Access and Socio-Economic Development Beyond COVID-19, which was organized by NIPRD.

Recalling the VP’s remarks during the conference, where he noted that Africa should find solutions to African problems, Dr. Odigwe said, “Your Excellency, we appreciate the role that you played in headlining the conference. As you identified during our meeting, we need to begin to take national pride in providing solutions to our problems. Thank you for your constant engagement, encouragement and support. We do not take it for granted.”

He added that the global recognition the Institute had garnered in recent years, as well as the milestones it has achieved so far, "is a demonstration of what can be done when we get the right political support to underpin what we do as scientists.”

While acknowledging the impact of the Buhari administration on turning things around at the Institute, the DG said, "prior to this administration’s interest in the Institute, we had suffered decades of neglect. But with its interventions, we have now received over 100 new equipment. This now means that the Institute has emerged as one of the reference points in various thematic areas in Africa for the analysis that we do.”

Earlier on Monday afternoon, also at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President presided over the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) meeting, where he received the mid-term report of the Council’s 7th National Action Plan (NAP 7.0), which has a 60-day cycle.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Works & Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi.

Others include the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu; as well as senior officials/ representatives of federal government agencies.

At the meeting, the VP urged Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government to ensure the successful implementation of reforms under the Council’s NAP 7.0.

In line with the commitment to improving the business environment in Nigeria, the Council had commenced NAP 7.0 on February 7 to drive the implementation of these key reforms.

Referencing the commitment of the Buhari administration to improving the economy, the VP stated that implementing “these reforms are vital” towards further improving the country’s business environment

“This is why we must have these reforms. It is also important that all the procedure reforms can be put in place. At meetings like this, issues that should be resolved are escalated for onward resolutions; and those things that need to be done have to be done,” he said.

The Vice President commended the PEBEC team led by the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business and Council Secretary, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, for their hard work and commitment towards ensuring the implementation of the reforms.

In his remarks after the presentation of the progress report, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment stated that the Council noted the need for a lot more work to be done by government agencies in implementing the priority reforms, in order to boost the country’s economy.

In her presentation to the Council, the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated that there are 58 reforms for implementation under NAP 7.0, which will run from 7th February to 7th April 2022.

She added that as at March 8 – day 30 of the Plan – the reforms implemented stood at 26%.

The indicators for NAP 7.0 are focused on five broad areas for reforms, namely: agro-export, airport, automation, regulatory and Executive Order 1 (EO1)/ReportGov.NG reforms.

“So, we really need to drill down on those escalations, hold agencies accountable, and encourage them to push more to deliver these reforms for Nigerians,” she stated.

The National Action Plan is a signature homegrown 60-day accelerator and reform tool designed by PEBEC to coordinate the effective delivery of priority reforms of select ministries, departments and agencies annually.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
15th March, 2022

On Kperogi’s Hatchet Job

By Clement Tuoyo


Kperogi's hatchet job reflects a patently biased reading of the Memo he talked about. It appears to me as blackmail to force Osinbajo out of the presidential race. There is no way Osinbajo can win based only on Christians' votes. Neither do I think Osinbajo nor the church is naive enough to believe so. I believe Osinbajo stands head and shoulders over many of those who are in the race and that has nothing to do with his church. In the 2023 Presidential contest, of those who are being speculated as interested, I agree with OBJ (a man I believe is the most hypocritical leader of all) on their one score: most of them should be in jail. The others frankly have major chinks in their armour. There are no saints.

I believe Nigeria will benefit from the intellect of Osinbajo, Peter Obi and of course Moghalu. Moghalu unfortunately has no structure to get him there. Both Obi and Osinbajo will need to make compromises with the devils strewn over our political landscape to get there. Short of a revolution from ground up, Nigeria has very little chance of getting on a trajectory of years of good governance to close the gap between our Asian comparatives of the 1960s - South Korea, Malaysia etc.

Kperogi's bogey of RCCG people around Osinbajo has been disproved many times and the hint of abuse of office around the social investment scheme headed by a Northern lady who has not been indicted is nothing but Kperogi’s deliberate over-reach to tar Osinbajo. If Kperogi's interest is in good governance, he should have noted the allegations of corruption against the Minister for whom the Ministry was created. He of course did not remember the Saudi "Dategate". Before I drop the casualness of using the corruption bogey to tar Osinbajo. I remember all the allegations of the use of FIRS and NEMA by Osinbajo. So far no credible evidence has been adduced to the allegations. They were as it seems smokescreens to replace the Chaiman of FIRS and hang the brazen corruption in NEMA perpetrated by the DG on the VP who heads the Board.

Finally, I think Pastor Odeyemi who wrote that Memo was a little too loose in his language and allowed mischief makers room to make the kind of insinuation that Kperogi deliberately stretched out to create to fit his deep-seated bias against RCCG and Osunbajo. I worship in RCCG but I am certain my vote is not going to be directed from any man's pulpit. Indeed, like many Christians, my vote will be directed by my convictions of what each party and their candidates represent for Nigeria and the welfare of Nigerians which will also determine mine. It is impossible to corrall all RCCG members into one party or their votes for one candidate. It is infantile to suggest so. All parties are represented in RCCG, just like Presidential candidates have supporters amongst RCCG members. That however should stop the church or any group to encourage their members to participate actively in the politics of their nation.

Kperogi should stop this campaign if tagging Osinbajo's rumoured and undeclared candidacy an RCCG project. It is not, cannot be and will never be no matter how much some people may desire it or would like people to erroneously believe it is.

Kperogi is a distraction. Lets get a restructured, secular Nigeria led by people imbued by values focused on delivering the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens. As we were saying . . .

Kperogi's hatchet job reflects a patently biased reading of the Memo he talked about. It appears to me as blackmail to force Osinbajo out of the presidential race. There is no way Osinbajo can win based only on Christians' votes. Neither do I think Osinbajo nor the church is naive enough to believe so. I believe Osinbajo stands head and shoulders over many of those who are in the race and that has nothing to do with his church. In the 2023 Presidential contest, of those who are being speculated as interested, I agree with OBJ (a man I believe is the most hypocritical leader of all) on their one score: most of them should be in jail. The others frankly have major chinks in their armour. There are no saints.

I believe Nigeria will benefit from the intellect of Osinbajo, Peter Obi and of course Moghalu. Moghalu unfortunately has no structure to get him there. Both Obi and Osinbajo will need to make compromises with the devils strewn over our political landscape to get there. Short of a revolution from ground up, Nigeria has very little chance of getting on a trajectory of years of good governance to close the gap between our Asian comparatives of the 1960s - South Korea, Malaysia etc.

Kperogi's bogey of RCCG people around Osinbajo has been disproved many times and the hint of abuse of office around the social investment scheme headed by a Northern lady who has not been indicted is nothing but Kperogi’s deliberate over-reach to tar Osinbajo. If Kperogi's interest is in good governance, he should have noted the allegations of corruption against the Minister for whom the Ministry was created. He of course did not remember the Saudi "Dategate". Before I drop the casualness of using the corruption bogey to tar Osinbajo. I remember all the allegations of the use of FIRS and NEMA by Osinbajo. So far no credible evidence has been adduced to the allegations. They were as it seems smokescreens to replace the Chaiman of FIRS and hang the brazen corruption in NEMA perpetrated by the DG on the VP who heads the Board.

Finally, I think Pastor Odeyemi who wrote that Memo was a little too loose in his language and allowed mischief makers room to make the kind of insinuation that Kperogi deliberately stretched out to create to fit his deep-seated bias against RCCG and Osunbajo. I worship in RCCG but I am certain my vote is not going to be directed from any man's pulpit. Indeed, like many Christians, my vote will be directed by my convictions of what each party and their candidates represent for Nigeria and the welfare of Nigerians which will also determine mine. It is impossible to corrall all RCCG members into one party or their votes for one candidate. It is infantile to suggest so. All parties are represented in RCCG, just like Presidential candidates have supporters amongst RCCG members. That however should stop the church or any group to encourage their members to participate actively in the politics of their nation.

Kperogi should stop this campaign if tagging Osinbajo's rumoured and undeclared candidacy an RCCG project. It is not, cannot be and will never be no matter how much some people may desire it or would like people to erroneously believe it is.

Kperogi is a distraction. Lets get a restructured, secular Nigeria led by people imbued by values focused on delivering the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens. As we were saying . . .

*Adds: The President wants results

*VP chairs inaugural meeting of Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East


The safe return of Nigerians displaced by the insurgency in the North-East from Cameroon, Niger and Chad will be treated as an emergency assignment, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Monday at the first meeting of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East. The Committee was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on February 2, 2022 with the VP as Chairman and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State as Vice Chairman.

The meeting presided over by the Vice President had in attendance, Prof. Babagana Zulum; his counterpart from Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya; the deputy governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Gubana; and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, members of the Federal Executive Council, among others.

On the task ahead of the Committee, Prof. Osinbajo urged members to carry out the assignment with every sense of urgency, noting that the President wanted a committee with wide representation in order to be inclusive, and to be able to deliver, taking to account all the issues.

The Vice President then urged that the committee deals “with this task as an emergency. We simply don’t have the time to get into too much bureaucracy so that we are able to deliver on all of the issues.”

Prof. Osinbajo noted that while the committee will work with existing frameworks in the management of the issues, ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their communities must continue unhindered.

He said: “we should immediately do whatever it takes to commence the process of repatriating our people back home. Already there are several initiatives. We need to deal with all of that working as quickly as possible to achieve the terms of reference and of course, ensure that all other initiatives continue to run in the way that they are designed to run.”

The Vice President then assured that governments at both Federal and State levels will work in conjunction with other stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free repatriation exercise, noting that “there is no reason why we cannot return our citizens to their homes.”

The Vice President then directed the secretariat to commence work on constituting three technical working groups on the work plan, repatriation exercise and rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram combatants.

The committee will meet later to assess progress.

Other members of the committee present at today’s meeting included the Ministers of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq; Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) and National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd). Others included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba; Director-General, State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi; Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency, Maj. Gen. Samuel Adebayo; and the representative of the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

The representatives of the North-East Development Commission and the National Commission for Refugees, Migration & Internally Displaced Persons were also in attendance.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
7th March 2022

*Adds: Nigeria accounted for 35% of $4billion in funding raised last year by over 564 startups across the continent

*At commissioning of Bankers House in Abuja, VP declares Nigeria set for great heights with the resilience, potential of its people

The Federal Government understands the critical role the private sector plays in delivering value to the Nigerian economy, and is, therefore, focused on leveraging collaboration opportunities to usher Nigeria into a more prosperous new decade.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Thursday at the official commissioning of the Bankers House of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja.

Prof. Osinbajo further noted that Nigeria is set for great heights, not only because it is “a nation of great dreamers and great doers,” but also for the resilience of its people and their great potential.

“With a population constituting the largest market on the continent, a swelling demography of ambitious, tech-savvy young people, accelerating regional integration and connection to new markets, Nigeria has been presented with an unprecedented opportunity to launch the country into a new decade of sustained prosperity. An opportunity we are fully committed, as a government, to translating into lived realities for millions of Nigerians across the country," the Vice President declared.

He added: “every time Nigeria has been expected to sink, we have soared and risen beyond our troubles. We have drawn joy from the depths of despair and found the courage to keep going, even in the most daunting of challenges. The Nigerian spirit remains unfazed and persistently bankable.”

The VP observed that “the realization of our country’s potential, at this crucial moment, will require the careful choreography of government policies that remove every impediment in the way of those determined to pursue their dreams and build businesses.”

Prof. Osinbajo highlighted the impact of government policies in this regard, including the work of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) towards improving Nigeria’s business environment and economy.

The Vice President noted that in the past six years, the Buhari administration, through PEBEC, has “aggressively pursued the creation of an environment that allows Nigerian businesses, at every level, operate without the bottlenecks and drawbacks that have come to characterize their interface with agencies and regulators.”

He added that the Administration is also “building on the progress of these reforms and aggregating lessons from some of the setbacks in its implementation,” with the launch of PEBEC’s 7th 60-day National Action Plan (NAP 7.0) on the Ease of Doing Business.

The NAP 7.0, which started on the 7th of February, is programmed to run until the 7th of April, 2022.

“We will consolidate on the achievements in removal of regulatory constraints around agro-exports, driving electronic filing of taxes and working closely with the States to make their own business environments friendlier,” the Vice President added.

He further restated the Administration’s commitment to follow through on its economic policies to better the lives of Nigerians.

Speaking further, the VP said, “this largely informs the zeal that has attended the ongoing implementation of our new National Development Plan, 2021-2025, a medium-term agenda that seeks to, among other things, generate 21 million full-time jobs and lift 35 million people out of poverty by 2025.”

Underscoring the importance of “a conscious reliance on private enterprise and initiative” in the successful implementation of the Plan, the Vice President said, “the plan commits the government, at all levels, to an investment of about N49.7 trillion, and envisages private sector investment of N298 trillion, making a total of N348 trillion.”

“The implementation of the plan is expected to be supported by a range of fiscal, monetary and trade measures, including more intentionally promoting productivity and value addition,” he added.

Further shedding light on the critical role of the banking sector in boosting the Nigerian economy, the Vice President explained that despite "several years of some of the most severe macroeconomic challenges - including the 2008 financial crisis, the oil crises that followed, and an unexpected pandemic, the Nigerian banking industry, owing largely to your outstanding professionalism, has continued to show incredible resilience and growth, contributing about N34.6 trillion to the country’s GDP in 2017, N37.8 trillion in 2018, N42.7 trillion in 2019 and N53.3 trillion in 2020.”

He also referenced the rise of Nigerian unicorns in recent years, stating that "in 2021 African tech startups raised over $4billion in funding, with over 564 startups across the continent solving critical problems in almost every sector. Nigeria accounted for 35% of this. Nigeria today has six unicorns, tech companies valued at over 1 billion dollars. All of them started after 2015, and have grown between two recessions."

Commending Dr. Bayo Olugbemi, the President/Chairman of Council, alongside the executive and management of the CIBN, the Vice President noted that the commissioning of the Bankers House was clear testament of the “towering expression of enduring commitment to excellence” and “power of a collective vision in driving significant accomplishment.”

“This is why we put such great premium on the resourcefulness and strength of our private sector,” he stated.

He added that “the CIBN’s role in the private sector cannot be overstated. In laying the parameters for professional and ethical conduct, healthy competition, and continuous professional development, it has helped to guide the evolution of a banking industry that has grown to become the envy of the continent."

Laolu Akande,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,
Office of the Vice President.
3rd March, 2022

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria hereby notifies all stakeholders that the accreditation status of the underlined hospitals designated as Internship Training Centre has elapsed and they are yet to apply for re-accreditation despite several reminders by MDCN for them to do so.

https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/recent-news/notice-to-internship-training-centres-with-elapsed-accreditation-

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria hereby notifies all stakeholders that the accreditation status of the underlined hospitals designated as Internship Training Centre has elapsed and they are yet to apply for re-accreditation despite several reminders by MDCN for them to do so.

HOW TO GUARANTEE THE AFRICA WE WANT, BY OSINBAJO AT AFRICAN COURT’S FIRST EVER FORMAL YEARLY OPENING IN ARUSHA

Africa will overcome its current governance and human rights challenges, VP adds

Commends Court for development of human rights jurisprudence & proposes way forward


For Africa to achieve the desired level of attainment, issues such as poverty, socio-economic rights, environmental and sustainable development alongside concerns about democracy and unconstitutional changes of governments, have to be dealt with. 

This was the charge Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, gave as Special Guest of Honour today in his address at the opening of the 2022 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in Arusha, Tanzania. He spoke on the theme: “The African Court and The Africa we want”.

"The Africa we want is one that addresses, amongst others, humanity's most pressing concerns of eradication of poverty, hunger and disease; the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law; sustainable development, especially dealing with challenges of climate change and application of finite resources for economic growth and diversification; human security and peace,"  Prof. Osinbajo declared.

He also commended the African Court of Human and People's Rights for the Afrocentric development of human rights jurisprudence, noting that already the African Court was playing its own role.

For instance, he mentioned that the Court has required States to uphold rights and principles of fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also noting  its declaration that States should not use the postponement of elections to “unduly” prolong elected officials’ term of office.

The VP, who addressed the justices of the African Court, other sister regional human rights institutions, groups of lawyers and experts and international human rights bodies, among other stakeholders, identified the challenges and burdens “we must discharge to arrive at the type of continent we want,” and then asked the question, “what is the Court doing by its mandate and practice to relieve those burdens?”

He then called on African nations to, while pursuing implementation of Agenda 2063, resolve to improve the human rights records of the continent in the immediate future, as "the purpose of life is in the here and now, not in the far future."

He was optimistic that “Africa will overcome its current governance and human rights challenges,” but decried “the lack of a proper enforcement mechanism, either at the domestic or continental level, notwithstanding the Ouagadougou Protocol’s mandate on the AU Executive Council,” describing it as one of the challenges Africa must work hard to resolve.

Prof. Osinbajo then identified other challenges as “the reluctance of some States to respect the Court’s orders of interim measures, not to mention funding problems in the face of competing financial needs within the AU system.”

The Vice President proposed that "we must find some common grounds moving forward. There might be a need for further interaction between the court and member States and civil society on how to work through these issues. The general reluctance of States to concede sovereignty is not peculiar to African States. But it is possible for us to be more creative about complementarity for example."

"I make these submissions recognizing very clearly going by the present constitutive documents of the courts and the AU Charter, we are not in a position to effect what I am proposing but I believe by way of amendments, we may be able to at least, experiment with some thinking out of the box on complementarity.

"But the point being made is that it should be possible to change tactics from time to time while keeping the strategy and vision constant," he added.

At the event also attended by the Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mr Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of the Court, Justice Imani Aboud, declared the 2022 Judicial Year opened, explaining the rationale for the first ever formal opening of the yearly session of the Court, including the need to boost the visibility of the Court and engaging its stakeholders.

Also the Vice President of the Court, Justice Blaise Tchikaya, in the vote of thanks commended Prof. Osinbajo "for the constant support that he always gives to the Court."



Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

28th February, 2022

In a personally signed statement this afternoon, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, mourns the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, a young enterprising shoe designer based in Abuja.

Here below is the Vice President's statement:

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the sudden death of Mr. Ojima Omale, aka OJBEST, 28, my young enterprising shoemaker and friend.

Omale was CEO of O.J Best Footwears. He was talented, creative and dedicated to his craft. I never ceased to be impressed by his exertions for perfection in his products.

I and many members of my team, for whom he also made shoes, will miss him, his services and unfailing good humour.

Our thoughts are with his family as we pray that God will comfort them. May his memory remain blessed."

*VP receives delegation at Presidential Villa, thankful to God for an honest President, fantastic country

*Adds: Nigeria’s most important resource is human capital

They sang indoors and outdoors at the Presidential Villa yesterday evening but the tune and lyrics were the same: President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration has done well and his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the President's 'personal person.'

A large delegation made up of notable artists, musicians, entertainers and creatives from the Northern parts of the country paid a courtesy call on the Vice President with commendation for the administration while also tabling their requests to further spur their industry.

While receiving the delegation, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated that a country’s most important resource are its human resources, and Nigeria must place a premium on this because its talents are the country’s biggest export and significant investment.

Prof. Osinbajo said this on Wednesday evening when he received at the Presidential Villa, the Kannywood delegation.

They came under the auspices of a group named 13 x 13 Awareness Group led by Kannywood personalities, such as Alhaji Dauda Adamu Rarara, its President and Yakubu Mohammed, spokesperson, among several others.

During the meeting, the Kannywood group delivered a special song filled with commendation for the work and accomplishments, while also chorusing that Prof. Osinbajo is together with "Baba Buhari." The song was led by Yusuf Haruna, a.k.a Baban Chinedu, a Muslim actor who features as an Igbo character in films.

The lyrics of the song sang in Hausa is translated into English thus:

Verse: "Youths, everyone, come out, from the cities to the rural areas, let’s do Osinbajo and Baba Buhari.

In the past, we brought you this song, now we have come with the song again, Osinbajo and Baba Buahri. Buhari is fixing the country for us”

Chorus: Osinbajo of Baba Buhari.

The Kannywood actors praised the leadership, dedication and wisdom of the Buhari-Osinbajo administration.

Emphasising on the need to pay more attention to the country’s human resources, the Vice President noted that Nigeria’s creative sector is one of the most vibrant anywhere, observing that Nigeria’s impressive array of talents across the creative sector needs to be showcased more to the world.

Pointing out some of members of the delegation whose works he had encountered such as veteran Kannywood actor, Rabiu Rikadawa, among others, in the room yesterday, the VP said, “I think one of the best things that our country has is talent, very solid talent. Sometimes we make the mistake of not exhibiting our talents enough, not showing off our talents enough and it’s a big mistake because this is our best resource.”

He stated that some countries do not have any mineral resource, but their best export is their human resource, adding that the creative sector is a very powerful tool of influence in any nation, and can be used effectively to advance social causes and nation building.

According to the VP “when you look at our country, here is a fantastic country, with talents from every corner, but it can also be a place where people are just fighting, quarrelling over nothing; whereas we can bring, with the power of what you are doing, we can bring people together, we can bring all our people together.

"If you look at sports, if you look at entertainment, they can bring people together. And we must use it to bring our people together, we must use this talent to bring our people together.”

“I like the film industry. I enjoy comedy, I enjoy songs in whatever language, and I’m sure there are so many who are interested. Even sometimes looking at a video when you don’t even speak the language, you look at a video you’ll laugh because you know that it is funny.

“So, sometimes it does not matter the language in which it is delivered, people will laugh so long as it is funny. I think that you have a very strong weapon - the creative industry, has a very strong weapon - drama, music, comedy, these are very powerful and you can use them to do so many things and we must use it to do so many things.

“The usefulness of your talent is not just for a small set of people, but it is for everybody because your contributions are very important,” the VP stated.

He expressed happiness “to see all of us who are here, people who are using their talents to invest as they can.”

The VP then discussed how the entertainment industry can be supported to do even more. His words: "we can do more, if we are supported, supported by government, supported by the private sector, but the question is how, how are we going to do that? I want us to take this meeting seriously so that we can have a meeting to advance what we have been talking about.”

Despite the challenges of insecurity, insurgency, the Vice President stated that Government would continue to explore ways to support the creative sector and improve other aspects of national life.

He stated how despite two recessions and the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has shown firm resolve and commitment towards improving the economy and welfare of all Nigerians.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Buhari administration will continue to ramp up efforts to improve security across the country.

“We are still fighting insurgency, Boko Haram insurgency and ISWAP, then we have banditry here and there in the North-West and things like that. All of these have occurrences in the life of a nation. Every nation runs into trouble, but it is the government at the time that must take the responsibility."

He also emphasized on the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to better the lot of the country, noting that the President is a honest leader.

“We are very fortunate that God gave us a leader like President Muhammadu Buhari at the time we are facing. And the reason why I say so is because, you see, if we don’t have a steady hand, matured person who understands a lot of things and who is respected by the people, there will be more chaos and we won’t even know where this will end.

“We must continue to thank God that at least we have a leader who is considered honest all across the country, everybody knows that he’s a man of his words, no matter where you are in the country, you know that he’s a man of his words, you know he’s honest and you know he is not stealing the resources of the country.”

The leader of the delegation Alhaji Rarara recalled how some of the delegation members including himself, have been actively supporting the Buhari administration. He also praised the government for many of its laudable programmes that has touched so many people but added that more needed to be done.

"We know both yourself and the President are committed to the people and are alligned. That is why we are still with you."

In his remarks on behalf of the group, Yakubu Mohammed, the spokesperson also added that the group has been supporting the Buhari administration and will continue to support the government. He solicited for government assistance in helping to address some of the challenges the industry is facing especially in the area of financial enablement.

He said the activities of the group are funded solely by its members, but lamented that their industry is lagging behind. In specific response, the VP said he is looking forward to working with the group to resolve the challenges of the industry.


Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
17th February, 2022

More photos

The Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry of health.

Also in attendance was the honorable Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe

The event had in attendance, the Registrar of the Council, Dr Tajudeen A.B. Sanusi, Chairman of the council, Professor Abba Waziri Hassan, OON.

THE 2022 SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF FOREIGN TRAINED MEDICAL AND DENTAL GRADUATES HELD YESTERDAY AT THE MDCN AUDITORIUM, KAURA DISTRICT, ABUJA.

THE 2022 SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF FOREIGN TRAINED MEDICAL AND DENTAL GRADUATES HELD YESTERDAY AT THE MDCN AUDITORIUM, KAURA DISTRICT, ABUJA.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSKsCReOLUw

Osinbajo will contest and win. Well meaning Nigerians are solidly behind him.