₦airaland Forum

A very nice project, congratulations to the people of Borno

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo has said the current administration is desirous of making life comfortable for all Nigerians as the nation is going through a period of critical developmental transformation despite the current challenges.

He spoke Monday at the inauguration ceremony of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 44, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos,the Plateau State capital.

Osinbajo, who was represented by Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the fact remained that much effort and resources had gone into the provision of security and improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.

“Most of the efforts are targeted towards the vulnerable at the grass root level. They are also mostly the victims of our challenges as a nation.

“The desire to achieve this goal informed the beaming of the search light in the direction of local governance in Nigeria, hence the choice of this year’s theme: Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Options and Opportunities.

“This theme was approved for SEC No.44 to identify the challenges confronting local governance in Nigeria, the options available and the opportunities it offers.”

Osinbajo tasked participants of the Senior Executive Course 44 to do justice to the theme and come up with striking findings and realisable recommendations with clear and workable implementation strategies to help the nation to overcome the challenges of weak local governance structures and their attendant effects on government efforts and interventions.

In his remarks, the Acting Director General of NIPSS, General Chukuemeka Udaya, said the institution has always equipped participants through rigorous and intense research training to contribute to Nigeria’s government’s strategic plans and actions towards getting things done.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and the Kuru community for their continuous support in ensuring that they achieve their mandate.


https://dailytrust.com/much-effort-resources-invested-in-security-osinbajo

With the presidential election exactly one year away and party primaries scheduled for September, Nigerians are eagerly waiting for Prof Yemi Osinbajo to make a categorical pronouncement on his aspiration. It is safe to say that the VP’s declaration to run for president will be the next big political news in the country.

From the schedule of activities for political parties which INEC is drawing up, parties should begin issuance of nomination forms in June or July. This leaves the VP with a three-month window between now and May to make his decision and declaration. As soon as a new set of leaders for APC emerges during the convention on February 26, Nigerians would be counting days to the big announcement from Osinbajo.
Meantime, his supporters across the country are not letting up in mobilizing support for him. On Monday, February 7, I attended the Inaugural Conference of a group known as APC Professional Forum at the cavernous Aso Rock Banquet Hall. The theme was ‘’The role of professionals in politics and nation-building’’.

The group is led by the former governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda. As a governor, Yuguda married the daughter of the then sitting President, Umaru Yar’Adua. One mischievous journalist described the union as ‘’an icing on the cake for a man who has seen it all’’.

Yuguda has been a chief executive of two banks and a Minister of the Federal Republic. Prof Osinbajo addressed the meeting, which was also attended by many ministers and important persons, including Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nassarawa State, who is loudly being touted as the next National Chairman of the governing party. When I left the gathering late afternoon, I told myself that the Osinbajo momentum is rolling fast, and nothing will stop him.

In the last six months, scores of eminent personalities have urged the VP to run, while hundreds of political support groups have sprung up across the country to shore up his candidacy. General Ibrahim Babangida, Pastor Enoch A Adeboye, Ishaq Oloyede (former Secretary-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs), Governor Nasir El Rufai, many emirs and traditional rulers have chipped in good words for the Vice President in recent times. President Buhari himself has recently described the VP as ‘’a reliable deputy’’.

Among ordinary Nigerians, the chatter in social media is all about a possible Osinbajo candidacy and how good a leader he’d be. This morning, a young man, Emmanuel Habila writes in a Facebook post, ‘’Osinbajo is a man whose credentials tower above all who seek to lead the nation in 2023. He is a man of uncommon ideas whose time has come’’. I checked out his profile. He’s as young as the people who stayed awake at Lekki toll gate, waving the national flag in October 2020 – the soro soke generation. They want to be heard. The VP has become a rallying point for Nigerians who are yearning for high-quality leadership for the country. He’s particularly very attractive to the young members of society.

So, what is it about Osinbajo that seems to excite Nigerians to the extent that they are clamouring for him to run? There are many reasons, some bordering on his person and others connected with his official conduct. The VP exudes the personality of a well accomplished, humble, loyal, dedicated and competent professional. He has also distinguished himself as a university professor, senior lawyer and public servant. It is remarkable that in a nation that is full of tainted officials, this VP has not been associated with any negative story. It was the same way Nigerians felt in 2014 going into 2015 about then General Muhammadu Buhari.
In fact, the only complaint ever written about Osinbajo is that he is a pastor who loves his spiritual calling! Incidentally, this is also the source of his strength. The rest of the attacks are a pack of lies, many of which even the publishers have had to apologise for in the open. Nothing impresses an average Nigerian more than an official who’s not corrupt and does not abuse his office. In our country, any perception of corruption against any official usually leads to eternal condemnation in the court of public opinion. In terms of his official conduct, Professor Osinbajo is widely regarded as the engine room of the Buhari administration. We must acknowledge that indeed the President trusts in his commitment and so gives him enough space to operate, and the people on the other had connect with him.

As we do know, the VP does not wield full executive powers, and so he uses advocacy to advance the cause he believes in, like the restructuring of the country, the National Livestock Transformation Programme, the transformation of policing and the police, etc. As VP, Prof Osinbajo is the Chair of the National Economic Council (NEC). In 2019, the President appointed the VP Chair of the National Economic Sustainability Committee, which worked with NEC, other agencies and officials to design the National Economic Sustainability Plan. The N2.3 trillion plan is credited for getting the economy out of the pandemic-induced recession in 2020. The VP is also acknowledged to have initiated and managed Africa’s largest social investment programme in 2016 in which billions of Naira have been expended on engagement for over 500, 000 graduates under Npower, a school feeding programme for almost 10million pupils conditional cash transfers and collateral-free loans to several millions of small businesses, petty traders and market women, etc.
Between 1999 and 2007, Prof Yemi Osinbajo was the Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General in Lagos State under Gov. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Osinbajo is credited with undertaking far-reaching judicial reforms in Lagos State, addressing critical areas such as judges’ recruitment, remuneration, training and discipline. He also established the Office of the Public Defender to address the problem of access to justice to the poor. Under him as the AG, Lagos State Government took the federal government to court 12 times on matters of the right of the state and the need for devolution of powers to the states. Nigerians will easily remember the landmark case in which LASG successfully sued the federal government in the Supreme Court over the withholding of the state’s allocation by the Obasanjo administration. A lot has been written about Osinbajo’s brief tenure as Acting President in June 2016, January 2017, May 2017 and August 2018 when President Buhari was in hospital in London. In this brief moment when he exercised full executive powers, Osinbajo took many decisive steps to enhance the quality of governance without appearing disloyal to his ailing boss.

Clearly, Nigerians have seen a great leader in Prof Osinbajo. They trust that the country would be in a capable pair of hands under his presidency. Osinbajo will manage our diversity with full attention to detail, continue to fight corruption and strengthen the war against crime, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. It is reassuring that the President has implicit confidence in the VP’s capacity and ability to lead.


https://guardian.ng/opinion/2023-what-is-it-about-osinbajo/

We should all say no to coup in west Africa and togetherness we will overcome any challenges and know that democracy is the best

LET US WORK TOGETHER TO DETER COUPS IN WEST AFRICA, OSINBAJO TELLS UK, EU, OTHER GLOBAL BODIES

VP also receives Worldwide Leader of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from US at Presidential Villa

Urges faith-based organisations to preach unity among Nigerians

Following the tough stance by leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against recent coups d’etat in the sub-region, the cooperation of the international community including other global, regional bodies and financial institutions will concretize the efforts against unconstitutional changes of government and deter coup plotters.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, stated this late Monday when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford, MP who was accompanied by British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing.

According to the Vice President, “there is a lot of attention being paid to coups d’etat going on, especially in the West African sub-region, I think it is important that we take a closer look at how to prevent and deter coups detat and adventurers of various kinds who want to take over governments by force.

“One of the critical things which have been discussed at various ECOWAS meetings is how to cooperate with the rest of the world, bodies such as the UN, EU and some of the Development Finance Institutions to give our sanctions more teeth.”

“So, we think that if there is some cooperation at the multilateral level, we might be able to deter some of these coups. I think that it is an issue that we should engage even more on because it is troubling that one after the other, countries are experiencing coups detat,” the VP added.

Speaking on the government’s efforts in the area of energy transition and economic development, the Vice President restated Nigeria’s commitment to the post COP26 agenda while calling on the wealthier countries in the international community to fulfil their obligation, especially in funding gas as a transition fuel.

He commended the United Kingdom’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Plan, among other efforts to ensure growth in the economy and foster prosperity among the people.

Earlier in her remarks, the UK Minister for Africa, Ford, recalled the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and the UK, noting the need for improved collaboration in the areas of trade and investment, and green energy, among others.

She commended the excellent job done by the Buhari Administration with the Economic Sustainability Plan which has ensured a positive growth trajectory of the economy.

In another development, the Vice President also received at the Presidential Villa, a delegation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, led by its global leader, Elder Todd Christofferson who is based in the United States of America.

At the meeting, while welcoming the delegation of the global Christian denomination, Prof. Osinbajo urged faith-based organisations to speak more for the unity of the country and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“I appreciate the social service works that the church (i.e the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is doing in the area of clean water, immunization, and several other things. For faith-based organisations, it is an article of faith that you must contribute to the development of society.

“We need to also speak a bit more about the unity of men and women across the country regardless of their faith and ethnicity. We are at a time in our country where this message is very important. The message of unity, the message of saying that nations are built around people who believe in God and those who do not.”

On his part, Elder Christofferson who was accompanied by church leaders and their spouses from within and outside Nigeria commended the efforts of the Vice President in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and noted that the church in Nigeria would, in the coming years, work to contribute to the growth and development aside preaching unity among citizens.

The VP also presided over a board meeting of the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, virtually earlier in the morning yesterday.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
22nd February 2022

The Osinbajo's visit to Bayelsa last week has created so much interest even among the artiste ,He is a man of honour,hardworking and eligant

By Kehinde Adeoye

One could not have thought that the elegant attire worn by Vice president Yemi Osinbajo would generate so much public interest and cause a buzz on social media attracting many Nigerians and celebrities alike.

As the picture continued to make the round in social media, catching the fancy of all, specifically now, among the class of an innumerable audience the Vice President wowed in his traditional attire were the celebrities, awesomely, those finicky fashionistas also got trilled with the Prof Osinbajo entering Bayelsa State in a la mode.

Those celebrities could not resist the loud ovation that greeted Prof Osinbajo’s visit to Bayelsa, a South-South state, on Saturday, February 19, 2022, earlier projected in a photo put in the public eye by Tolani Alli, the official photographer of the Vice President, best known for her incredible storytelling ability through pictorial or visual pieces, with which she has scored a bull’s eye, as Nigerians won’t stop admiring the aesthetic that defines it.

https://thedailyleaks.com/trend-celebs-thumbs-up-osinbajo-wowing-lookers-on-in-ijaw-attire/

The two giant strides working together

North,West,East and south are for Osinbajo

Osinbajo has becoming GLO that saya rule the world �

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE


NIGER DELTA DESERVES CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENTAL GAINS, SAYS OSINBAJO

_How President Buhari is ensuring FG-State collaboration on infrastructure, inclusive prosperity_

"We want every person, in every corner of the country, to get a fair chance"- VP says as he flags off Oporoma Bridge in Angiama, Bayelsa State

"Your name is being mentioned for very good reasons," Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council tells VP

One of the key objectives of the Buhari administration is ensuring inclusive prosperity, which is why the Federal Government is collaborating with State governments and increasing efforts towards ensuring the wholesome development of communities in the Niger Delta region, and across the country.

This was stated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Saturday in Bayelsa State at the construction flag-off of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road.

During his visit to the State, where he was received at the airport by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the VP also paid a courtesy call on the Traditional Rulers Council in the State, ahead of the flag-off and the drive-through on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road.

Speaking at the flag-off where the Vice President remotely pressed the buttons that spurred the construction, he observed that for a country with the population and geographical span of Nigeria, guaranteeing inclusive prosperity is a mandate for Government.

He added that this is especially so with “the rapid urbanization of the last two decades, the consequent pressure on cities, and the difficulties of allocating scarce resources, faced by governments at all levels, and across the country.”

Highlighting the importance of such infrastructure projects to a nation’s development, the VP said, “we must always find the commitment, innovation, and persistence to put in place the quality and scale of infrastructure needed, to give our people the productive and competitive edge to better their lives, and we need to do it as fast as possible.”

According to the Vice President, Niger Delta Communities such as Oporoma, Angiama - where the Bridge is now being constructed, and others across the region, are home to vast amounts of mineral wealth and natural resources, so they deserve to have considerable developmental gains to show for it.

The VP noted that the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge construction is a symbol for development in the region, and will have a far-reaching impact on the lives of the people in the communities.

"By facilitating easier access to places like Yenogoa and beyond with this bridge, we will be laying a foundation for development that will deepen commerce and create individual and collective opportunities for the people of these communities,” he stated.

Prof. Osinbajo further said that the President Buhari administration is committed to the wholesome development of the Niger Delta region, through its Niger Delta New Vision initiative.

“As a matter of urgency, we are well on our way towards correcting historical lapses in this respect, through the collaborative efforts of the federal, state, and local governments, each one putting aside personal interests, and doing the best they can for the communities which have undeservedly suffered for so long,” he emphasized.

The VP also assured the people of the “Federal Government’s full support and collaboration in every way possible. “You have not been forgotten, and this milestone is only the beginning of greater things to come,” he said.

Under the Buhari administration’s New Vision initiative, the region has witnessed significant development strides and projects, such as the ongoing Ogoni cleanup in Rivers State; the take-off of the Nigeria Maritime University; establishment of modular refineries across states in the region; infrastructure projects, including the 34-km Bonny-Bodo Road and Bridge project, the Warri-Itakpe railway line, among others.

Speaking about the importance of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge and Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road to development across the state, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “there can be no inclusive prosperity without the effective linkages of communities and the effective facilitation of trade that roads like this provide.”

On how to ensure inclusive prosperity, the Vice President disclosed that, “Our ability to create an environment that allows each and every person, in each and every corner of the country, to get a fair chance at maximizing their potential, is one of the surest routes to sustainable economic development.”

He noted that the flag-off and completion of the project will unlock much commercial activities in Oporoma and neighbouring communities.

“The farmers and fishermen that will be connected to new markets as easier and more efficient logistics enable them expand their operations, employ more people, and provide better opportunities for their families; not to mention the improvement of security through an access road that circumvents sea pirates, and allows traders go about their businesses safely,” the VP observed.

He further pointed out that “no local economy in the world can survive by being isolated, as cities and towns thrive partly because they develop and sustain infrastructure that allows for profitable and free economic, social, and cultural exchanges.”

Noting the State’s potential, Prof. Osinbajo observed that “the challenge, historically, has been in getting the obvious potential of the State to match up to its lived realities”

While he expressed hope in the quality and timely completion of the construction, the VP commended Governor Diri for his doggedness in embarking on development projects.

“The breadth of the projects you have embarked upon and the thoroughness of their execution speak clearly to your unfolding vision and gives confidence that, in the near future, we will see a State gradually elevated to world-class status,” he said.

The Vice President also encouraged the people of the community to take ownership of the project, “and to work with the government to ensure that it is completed and maintained without hinderance or sabotage.”

According to him, “there are dreams on this side of the proposed bridge as it is flagged off today – dreams that it will be speedily completed, and that our people will thus be connected to all the possibilities needed to realise their full potential.”

During the trip, the Vice President was conferred with the traditional title of "Ebi-akubo-owei of Agia-Ibe" meaning, One who brings glory to the Land of Agie-Ibe.” The VP was conferred with the title by the Amanana-owei of Agie-Ibe, HRH Prof. Millionaire Freeborn Nestor Abowei.

Similarly, in his remarks during the courtesy call by the VP to the traditional rulers, the Vice Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, HRM King Malla Sasime, thanked the VP for the visit, and said the VP’s name has been mentioned for many good reasons.

“Vice President, your name has been called for very good reasons; and the reason why your name has been on is, maybe, people think that you have been very good, and we appreciate your efforts in governance.

“If you come out for president (candidate), you will be a good material… we appreciate what you are doing, and we thank you for being a good vice president. We hope that you keep your relationship with Bayelsa in very good stead,” King Sasime, who spoke on behalf of the Council said.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
20th February, 2022

I like prof Yemi Osinbajo for something he is always stand for justice

Chibuzoc:
This man cannot handle nigeria

What happened to Nigeria that he cant handle?

Karemarealty288:
This man just take style dey campaign.

And then? Mtchewwwww

dawnomike:
It looks very nice on him... But i see no internet on fire here

Let everybody gets voter card

This dress is bae, Osinbajo is a unique man

Prof Yemi Osinbajo is sellable and we pray the party take him

The Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has the potential to be a good president.

King Malla Sasime, Vice Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, expressed this view while receiving Osinbajo who paid a courtesy call on traditional rulers at the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat on Saturday in Yenagoa.

Osinbajo was in Bayelsa to perform the groundbreaking of the construction of Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which will link Yenagoa, Capital of Bayelsa, and the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The traditional ruler thanked Osinbajo for the visit and implored him to maintain a cordial relationship with the state.

“Vice President, your name has been called for very good reasons; and the reason why your name has been on is maybe people think that you have been very good and we appreciate your efforts in governance.

“If you come out for president, you will be a good material as those rumours are all over the place in the social media.

“So, we thank you for being a good vice president; we hope that you keep your relationship with Bayelsa in very good stead; thank you very much,’’ he said.

Responding, Osinbajo, who was accompanied by Governor Douye Diri, thanked Sasime for his kind welcome and reception.

He said that he was in the state to identify with developmental projects of the governor in collaboration with the Federal Government.

“As you have heard, I am here at the invitation of my brother, the Governor of Bayelsa, to celebrate the second year anniversary of his government and also to look at some of the works that are going as well as perform the groundbreaking of a very important project.

“We will be driving in a few minutes on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road; and thereafter, we will be performing the groundbreaking of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge–which are very crucial projects.

“I am sure you all know how important that road project is; and how several governments have worked on it including the immediate past governor of the state.

“They have done their own bit up to a point and in the true tradition of continuum of the government, the current governor is set to complete the project and to ensure that he made available to the good people of Bayelsa, especially many of these communities that will benefit significantly from this.’’

According to the vice president, the project is evidence of the collaboration between the federal and state governments.
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had shown by his openness, by his desire to ensure that despite political differences, every staBy making sure that as this road has been built, the Federal Government refunded the cost of the project so far and will continue to refund.

“So, essentially, what we are seeing here is collaboration between the state and the Federal Governments for the benefit of the good people of Bayelsa.

“I think that this is the way it must be; at the end of the day, political differences do not matter to our people; what our people want is the same thing everywhere across the country.

“They want good roads; they want good infrastructure; they want an enabling environment to be able to do their businesses; they want good health facilities; good social facilities; and that’s what really the Federal Government is determined to do.’’

Osinbajo said he was happy that the Federal Government had a partner in the government of Bayelsa, led by Diri.

He said sure desires could only be achieved if everyone works together, the federal, state, local governments working together
The politicians and technocrats are working together to ensure that we achieve the same objective.”

He thanked the governor for the warm welcome and for the nice Ijaw outfit that he (Osinbajo) wore.

“When you look at this outfit, you would imagine that this is what I wear everyday; it is well made but it is courtesy of my dear brother, Diri.

“He is the one that made sure that I am appropriately attired.

“All, I can say to him is that he has to make me a few more because after people have seen this, they expect me to show up more often in this outfit.

“So, I want to thank you very much your Royal Majesties and thank the good people of Bayelsa for the warm welcome,’’ he said.

Osinbajo was earlier presented with a traditional gift — a walking stick — to match the Ijaw traditional attire he adorned.


https://punchng.com/2023-osinbajo-good-presidential-material-say-bayelsa-monarchs/






.

I like this sytle too much

Pa Alao Akala was a philanthropist while on earth ,he will always be remembered for his good deed ,may his soul rest in perfect peace

He practiced politics with an open mind, VP adds

Ogbomosho will miss the compassion of a trusted, revered leader"

The late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala was a simple and humble man who practiced politics with an open mind, served the people and his country all his life, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo spoke on Friday in Ogbomoso where he graced the funeral service of the former Governor of Oyo State at an event also attended by State Governors, including Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, among other dignitaries.

The Vice President added that Alao-Akala "practically demonstrated what is possible when creativity and compassion are brought into governance."

“Alao Akala served the people and country all his life; from a career in the police force, to chairmanship of the Ogbomosho North Local government, to Deputy Governor and then Governor of Oyo State. He put everything into public service. This is why today the people of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and the nation gather to pay him the high respects due to such a well regarded patriot and faithful servant of the people.”

The VP further said that the testimonies of many associates of the late Oyo Governor recalling his political sojourn, was evidence that “Otunba Alao-Akala was a politician who knew how to be a political opponent without being a sworn enemy.

“The good people of Ogbomosho and the nation will miss the kindness, compassion and love of a trusted and revered leader… whose political influence and reach went beyond party affiliation and multi-partisan colours,” the Vice President stated.

He further added it was not surprising, that "in any political calculation, everyone knew that wherever Alao Akala pitched his tent is where Ogbomosho will go, he was that highly regarded… His wide network is a solid reflection of the goodwill he enjoyed across political divides, ethnicities and faiths.”

Prof. Osinbajo recalled the broad smile and hearty laughter of the late Alao Akala, whom he described as “an illustrious political actor from Ogbomoso-land” who was able to strike and “sustain a deep connection with the people.”

“Everywhere he went in those days as Governor of Oyo State; you would hear chants of Oyato gomina! Oyato! For the benefit of non-speakers of Yoruba, they meant 'Governor with a difference!'

“Of course, there were a couple of things Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala did differently on assumption of office (from Jan 2006 to December that year, and then again from May 2007 to May 2011),” the VP recalled.

The VP stated that as governor, the late Alao Akala was able to significantly improve the State’s “Internally Generated Revenue (from a paltry N300m to a record N1b) within eight months of becoming Governor.”

Alao Akala also instituted impactful programmes like the home-grown empowerment scheme known as Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP), Prof. Osinbajo noted, adding that a common refrain running through the glowing tributes paid to his memory was the attestation of his uncommon generosity.

“There is undoubtedly lot more to be said about his generosity in material terms and in things money cannot buy. At a personal level, I can attest to his generosity with time and counsel. I met him many years ago through his nephew, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, currently Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State. And after becoming the Vice-Presidential candidate of APC in 2014, he was one of those I immediately turned to for advice.

“Being a battle-hardened veteran of the game himself, he must have been wondering if I had the stamina to cope. So, he went on to give me some unforgettable advice about what he thought I should do. Till he drew his last breath, Alao-Akala never ceased to avail me of his quality counsel and words of encouragement, by way of phone calls or pep talk whenever our paths crossed.”

The Vice President, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, expressed condolences to the Alao Akala family, while praying that God will comfort and uphold them.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Ogun State, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimat Salako-Oyedele; her Oyo State counterpart, Chief Rauf Olaniyan; members of the National Assembly; Youths and Sports Development Minister, Chief Sunday Dare; the President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Dr, Israel Akanji, who delivered the sermon at the service, and Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th February, 2022

Service conditions of judges must be good enough, befitting-VP

Calls for imposition of severe costs for delays in administration of justice

Challenges affecting the administration of justice in Nigeria are being addressed and "there is much hope for the positive reform of the system as more result-oriented work is going on and some real changes expected", according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this Friday evening at the 20th year memorial anniversary symposium in honour of a resoundingly successful legal practitioner, Mr. Bankole Olumide Aluko, SAN, themed, "Administration of Justice: the Ideal Standard, the Nigeria Reality and Our Potential."

The Vice President who spoke on the issues of judicial appointments, delays in the dispensation of justice, democracy, and digitization in the judiciary, among others, noted that "the administration of justice system is the foundation of law and order, commerce and democracy."

On the delay of justice delivery, the VP submitted that addressing delays should "involve imposing sanctions by a more intentional regime for the award of adverse and wasted costs."

"The court is a taxpayer-funded public resource. The wasting or abuse of its finite time and resources without strict consequence will eventually discredit the system.

"Adverse costs are paid to the successful party in a civil case and wasted costs are directed against legal practitioners for poor professional standards in the conduct of a case.

"Severe costs should attend adjournments, there is no greater waste of taxpayer’s funds than for a scheduled case to have to be adjourned. It is only heavy costs that will discourage this malfeasance."

He noted that "certainty or predictability of judicial outcomes is one of the major strengths of the common law."

Regarding the impact of the law on democracy, Prof. Osinbajo noted that "the democratic rights of the people and their confidence in the notion of a government of the people, by the people, for the people, suffers when the system of electoral justice fails to see itself as a handmaid of the democratic process."

Citing the decision of the Supreme Court in the 2019 elections in Zamfara State to buttress his point, the VP noted that "to make sense, judicial decisions and reasoning must in most cases meet the common notions of fairness and justice.

"The system of justice must recognize the larger principles that it serves. In judicial interpretation, the spirit is as important as the letter of the law. Otherwise, judicial decisions become technistic applications far removed from common sense.

"The notions of justice that would meet public expectations of fairness and equity are those that promote substance over form. The observance of technicality over merit will always alienate the system of justice from the people it is meant to serve."

On the expectations from judicial officers, Prof. Osinbajo said "while we ask for the best from our judicial officers, we must equally ensure that the conditions under which they operate are not only befitting but are good enough to attract the best of minds in our profession."

In addition, the Vice President said the institution and infrastructure remain key to reforming the system, stating that "the judge is, of course, central to how our system of justice works. It is the court, not counsel that must determine the pace of cases."

On the process for judicial appointments, the VP stated that the robustness and transparency of the processes in other jurisdictions "provide comfort to the candidates of the fairness of the selection process; and enable the public to have front-row seat in some of these processes", arguing that such a process be replicated in Nigeria.

The VP extolled the late Aluko's mastery of his craft, highlighted his varied abilities, and praised his contributions to the legal profession in the country. He described him as a truly iconic figure and recalled that "he was always my preferred lawyer."

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President
19th February 2022

Rest in perfect peace

May his soul rest in perfect peace

Osinbajo ni joo

This man has started again, prophet of doom

The best and most respectful thing for Asiwaju to do is to support Prof Yemi Osinbajo

The Osinbajo Support Movement (OSM), a political group has called on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress to support Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the 2023 presidency.

The convener and national coordinator for the Group, Mr Olawale Badmus, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen.

He said even though Osinbajo had yet to publicly declare his intention to contest for the office of the president come 2023, the group and other stakeholders will beg him to run in the interest of the nation.

The group urged Tinubu to drop his presidential ambition and instead join the push for Osinbajo 2023 presidency.

Badmus said the OSM will continue to propagate the good work of the Vice President and ensure that he emerges as the APC flag-bearer for the 2023 Presidential elections.

“We are out to propagate and ensure we put out the good work of the vice president and also to propel him to run for the office of the president come 2023.

“We will also do our best in ensuring he secures the ticket of our party and coast to victory come next year,” he said.

The coordinator said Osinbajo had worked well with Tinubu while he was Lagos State Governor and also doing excellently well as Vice president to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The Osinbajo that we know have been instrumental to the success story of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Lagos State government.

“He served well as a commissioner of justice in Tinubu administration of Lagos State and for Tinubu alongside many others to have jointly nominated him as a running mate to Buhari was a glory to Asiwaju himself,” and hence the need to support Osinbajo.

“Also, for him to have continually told us that Osinbajo is the best product that can be put forward alongside President Muhammadu Buhari,

“We have accepted that product after testing him at the federal level and we can easily put our trust in him,” Badmus added. (NAN)


https://gwg.ng/2022/02/16/group-urges-tinubu-to-back-osinbajo-for-2023-presidency/