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  • Ekiti economy bigger than many African nations – Osinbajo

    Ekiti economy bigger than many African nations – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a keynote speech 14 October at the First Ekiti Investment and Economic Summit offers a revealing comparative analysis of the GDP of Ekiti and some African countries.

    But the bigger lesson he harped on is that Nigerian state governors must change their mindset about the way they govern their states, by investing in new economic areas, technology and knowledge economy.

    He spoke on “INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: LESSONS FOR SUB-NATIONALS”

    Some excerpts:

    The theme of the summit is an important one “Investment Attractiveness and Economic Development: Lessons for Sub-nationals.”

    The economy of the sub-national is a peculiar animal. The State within the Federation is not a nation, but it must behave like one, it derives some resources from the federal pool, and generates some income; the sum will provide infrastructure and services to the community. The size of the sum and the quantum of opportunity available to provide livelihoods for the populace will depend on how the State enables local and external investors, small and large to put their resources into business and commercial activity business in the State.

    The funded portion of the State’s budget is after all a mere fraction of the sum total of economic activity or income-generating activity, formal or informal, within the State. So, the attractiveness of a State to commerce is a radical issue. The very lives and livelihoods of the people within the borders of the State, whether the people will live prosperous and happy lives, be educated, have access to affordable medical care, depends on it.

    There is no question at all that Ekiti has established the foundations for a modern and thriving economy. The fundamentals are there; a modern, strong, consistently improving legal and Justice sector, with forward-looking laws, which include a contemporary administration of Civil Justice Law, a first-of-its-kind Sustainable Development Goals law, a Tourism and Hospitality law, Property Protection law, a 2020 amendment to the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law, which amongst other provisions, enables the service to collect all taxes due to the State Government and all the Local Government Councils in the State under any law through a centralized electronic payment platform. This is important for two reasons; the first is that it decentralizes payment and does so electronically, but also, it takes directly to the question of the bane of multiple revenue collectors and multiple taxations.

    Also, a business-friendly environment with Ekiti ranking 18th overall out of the 36 States and the FCT in the inaugural edition of Nigeria’s own homegrown “Subnational Ease of Doing Business Baseline Survey.” The survey was commissioned to serve as a status report on the current attractiveness of business environments of States for small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Ekiti State was strongest in the Skills and Labour and Infrastructure & Security indicators where it had an average score of 5.35 and 5.05, respectively. Also, in the last World Bank Doing Business sub-national survey on Nigeria released in 2018, Ekiti excelled in the area of “Dealing with Construction Permit” ranking 4th in the entire nation.

    This is a State that has vast arable land for agriculture and its value, chains, a modern strong, and effective media and public communications system, an experienced CEO of the State, Governor Fayemi, whose academic, civil society background, (and we will leave out the outlaw days of NADECO), excellent relationships with international donors and DFIs, his experience as second term Governor, one-time Minister of Mines and Steel, and as Chair of the Governors’ Forum, whose important experience in extracting benefits for the States from the Federal Government; all these put the State at a distinct advantage.

    So, the evidence is compelling and significantly, there is a commitment to a private sector-led economy, and this is important. Business is, if you’ll pardon the pun, the business of the private sector, governments should as much as possible facilitate, or at best, collaborate.

    An excellent example is the formerly State-Owned, Ikun Dairy Farms at Ikun Ekiti, after 40 years of inactivity, the State Government divested 76% of its shareholding to a private dairy company, Promasidor, resulting in a company that is now producing over 80,000 litres of milk per month from a herd of just under 500 cows.

    There is also the recent concessioning of hospitality facilities such as the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs affirming the same principle. This is a very important principle, the idea that it is the private sector that really should lead the economy.

    Some years ago, in 1999, when we assumed office in Lagos State, at the time the previous government had sold majority shares in Eko Hotel and when we got into office, we were very angry. We tried our best to get it back, we went to court. About a year into our court action, the Minister of Finance called me (I served as Attorney-General) and said to me that the new shareholders were prepared to pay some dividends. I said no, we shouldn’t accept anything from them because they might go back to court and say that we had conceded the case. But the finance minister said, ”why don’t you listen to how much they want to pay first?” When I heard how much they wanted to pay, I said we had to take it immediately!

    The truth is that after many years of Lagos State owning majority shares in Eko Hotel, we had made no profit and we had spent at the time, millions up on till the time we took office in 1999, just trying to make that hotel work. Today, it is a thriving business and Lagos State is earning significant dividends from it. I’m sure His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu can confirm. So, the private sector-led model is the best and I think this is absolutely the right way to go, as the Governor as indicated.

    There are several investments in the agro-allied value chain, JMK Foods, an integrated rice mill, FMS Farms, Promise Point, and Arog Limited, all with starch and ethanol production plants using cassava feedstock; and Egbeja farm, an export-focused snail farm.

    Two Saturdays ago I represented Mr. President at the swearing-in of the new President of São Tomé and Principe. As I sat in that well-appointed hall and took in the solemn grandeur of the oath-taking of the new democratically elected President, I reflected. Here was a country whose GDP is $472million, and it is a nation, it has one vote in the United Nations as we have. Ekiti State has a GDP of $2.8billion, 5 times the size of the GDP of the Nation of São Tomé.

    And there is a growing tech start-up ecosystem with companies like Kinplus Technologies, a software and web development company, building applications and enterprise promotion software, and is also focused on talent development; and JM Tech Centre, a research and technology institute recently launched in Ikun Ekiti. All of these are thriving and modern businesses that are functioning here because the environment has been provided for them to succeed.

    Your Excellency, two Saturdays ago I represented Mr. President at the swearing-in of the new President of São Tomé and Principe. As I sat in that well-appointed hall and took in the solemn grandeur of the oath-taking of the new democratically elected President, I reflected. Here was a country whose GDP is $472million, and it is a nation, it has one vote in the United Nations as we have. Ekiti State has a GDP of $2.8billion, 5 times the size of the GDP of the Nation of São Tomé.

    But it’s not just São Tomé. Ekiti’s GDP is higher than that of the nation of Gambia. Gambia has a GDP of $1.902billion, and also Cape Verde with a GDP of $1.704billion, or Seychelles, the lovely tourist destination Nation, with a GDP of $1.125billion. Ekiti’s GDP is about the same as the GDP of Liberia which is $2.95billion.

    The Nigerian sub-national (and we are talking about Ekiti, not even Lagos) is indeed a peculiar animal, even a relatively small State like Ekiti, small in terms of population in particular and even in allocation from federal revenue, has a bigger economy than many African nations.

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    So, the hopefully useful point to be made is there has to be a collective change of mindset. Thinking differently, there is a need for a sub-national to think like a sovereign State. You have a bigger GDP and even more revenues than many nations.

    But it’s not just São Tomé. Ekiti’s GDP is higher than that of the nation of Gambia. Gambia has a GDP of $1.902billion, and also Cape Verde with a GDP of $1.704billion, or Seychelles, the lovely tourist destination Nation, with a GDP of $1.125billion. Ekiti’s GDP is about the same as the GDP of Liberia which is $2.95billion.

    I was talking once to a President of a West African country with a total population of 5 million and I told him about our home-grown school feeding programme where we feed 9.6million children every day. He said to me, “bro, come and feed us now, we are only 5 million, you can feed all of us every day if you want.”

    So, the question the policymaker should ask is, what if I were a landlocked nation? How will we survive? There is a different mindset when you are sure of a monthly allocation of cash at least enough to pay salaries, whether you generate income or not. This is the challenge. The so-called Dutch disease, one becomes complacent. But what if you had to take responsibility for all those who reside within your borders, pay all salaries, from Internally Generated Revenues (IGR)?

    Sometimes a shock is what you need. That’s what happened to us in Lagos. I am sure that we all know the story, Governor Fayemi was very much a part of those who thought through some of the issues then. Lagos was happy with its allocations, we started off with 600 million a month in 1999/2000, until then-President Obasanjo withheld our local government funds, and did so until he left office, even after the Supreme Court ordered the release of the funds. So we were compelled to think like a sovereign State.

    We moved to re-engineer our tax office (much like what the State Government is doing here in Ekiti), and our lands registry, our own oil. From an IGR of N600 million in 1999/2000, Lagos does almost N45 billion a month today and targets 60 billion by next year, I’m told.

    I think the way surest way forward is to deepen investments in niche areas or the areas of Ekiti’s comparative advantage. We have already noted the tremendous potential in agriculture and dairy, but clearly, the way of the future, especially for the huge population of young men and women seeking good-paying jobs, is technology.

    And I think you are in the flow of progress with the planned establishment of the Technology Special Economic Zones. Clearly, the future of fast-growing economies is in the knowledge economy.

    Every day we are beginning to see the transition, as Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister of Israel said, “from the age of territory, we are entering the age of science; land size, natural resources are forced to give way to science and the knowledge economy. Science has no borders, land has borders, and visa and other immigration restrictions. Technology has erased borders, even physical offices.”

    Young men and women in Ekiti can work from here and earn world-class wages. This is why the planned investment in the Ekiti Knowledge Zone is strategic. And it’s exciting to see that the plan is to use business process outsourcing as an anchor. It is designed to be a service-led SEZ, a digital technology hub, leveraging its proximity to 5 tertiary institutions. This is if one may borrow the term, the future of jobs and we must commend the farsightedness of the State Governor and his team for determining that technology as the knowledge economy is the way to go.

    However, for a digital SEZ to be successful, it must be attractive to digital companies; that means there must be high-quality, well-trained local talent. I’m glad to hear already that on account of the reduction in charges for laying of cables for broadband connectivity, the State is already attracting investments in the laying of cables. That I think is fantastic because it is an important component of the knowledge economy in using that for commercial purposes.

    The CEO of Apple Inc, Tim Cook was asked why his company was investing in China. He said and I quote: “The number one reason why we like to be in China is the people. China has extraordinary skills. And the part that’s most unknown is there are almost two million application developers in China that write apps for the iOS App Store.”

    Gone are the days when you could argue that you should be an attractive destination for investment because you have cheap labour. Today well-trained technology and innovation talent is the game-changer.

    So, there are three keys to the knowledge economy which in my opinion is the future. The three keys are education, education, and education. It would, therefore, be very important for Ekiti State to leverage its famed love and passion for education by focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I think Ekiti has not lost that edge and this is the moment, I believe, to refocus on STEM education.

    STEM education is vital for being able to participate in the 4th Industrial Revolution which is at once a digital age and knowledge age. This must be the fountain of the knowledge economy.

    Of course, education is not only at the high end but also requires a strategy for imparting of technical and vocational skills to artisans. The importance of having a pool of healthy, well-trained workers such as electricians, fitters, mechanics, laboratory technicians, welders, machine toolists, and even web designers, is vital for an ecosystem that will be attractive for technology and innovation investments.

    Happily, Ekiti State has the highest score amongst all the States in the Technical and Professional Skills category of the Ease of Doing Business Rankings, so there is certainly a strong foundation to build upon in this regard.

    But I think there is more to leverage, for example, there is tremendous potential for the development of a whole medical education and healthcare industry around the huge private investment in the iconic Afe Babalola University and the ABUAD multi-system Teaching Hospital. I know that the State was helpful in providing access roads and some other facilities to the campus. Today, ABUAD is getting mentioned internationally for the complex surgeries being done there a variety of cardiac surgeries, neurosurgery breakthroughs in skull-based tumors surgeries, spine surgeries, even a special type of neuron surgery called Awake Neurosurgery, where the patient is actually awake while operating on his/her brain.

    Many countries of the world do not have the number of medical talents assembled in that hospital alone. There are huge opportunities here and I believe that we must tap into those opportunities also.

    Let me close by commending Governor Kayode Fayemi and the excellent team that you lead. Your Attorney-General, my dear friend, was with us leading a team of Southwest Attorneys-General after showing us all he had done in Ekiti State, I had to remind him that he actually comes from Ogun State, but he would argue about that!

    Governor Fayemi, I must commend you for leading a focused and value-sensitive, modern and informed approach to governance. So much has been done, but always much remains to be done. On your third anniversary in office, I pray that you will finish well and finish strong and this State and its great people continually enjoy peace, and prosperity.

    God bless you all, thank you

  • Some people can’t be obtaining Dollar for N410 to sell N570; Osinbajo defends exchange rate position, denies calling for devaluation of Naira

    Some people can’t be obtaining Dollar for N410 to sell N570; Osinbajo defends exchange rate position, denies calling for devaluation of Naira

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that he is not calling for the devaluation of the naira contrary to some reports that trailed his speech at the opening session of the mid-term ministerial performance review retreat at the presidential villa, Abuja on Monday.

    Osinbajo in a statement issued by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, on Tuesday said he rather advocates a forex policy to curb corruption.

    While noting that he has been opposed to the devaluation of the currency, the Vice President said those who have access to the dollars at N410 turn round to sell it were benefiting from the current exchange rate.

    “Prof. Osinbajo is not calling for the devaluation of the Naira. He has at all times argued against a willy-nilly devaluation of the Naira,” the statement read.

    “For context, the Vice President’s point was that currently, the Naira exchange rate benefits only those who are able to obtain the dollar at N410, some of who simply turn round and sell to the parallel market at N570.

    “It is stopping this huge arbitrage of over N160 per dollar that the Vice President was talking about. Such a massive difference discourages doing proper business, when selling the dollar can bring in 40% profit!”

    He also revealed the major issues confronting the Nigerian economy, stressing that how to improve the supply of foreign exchange is the major challenge facing the country’s economy.

    Osinbajo explained that allowing the window of import and export would help improve the value of the naira.

    “The real issue confronting the economy on this matter is how to improve the supply of foreign exchange, but this will not happen if we do not allow mechanisms like the Importers and Exporters window to work. If we allow this market mechanism to work as intended, we will find that the Naira will appreciate against the dollar as we restore confidence in the system,” he added.

  • 2023: Presidency tackles media, says attempts to pitch Osinbajo against Tinubu will fail

    2023: Presidency tackles media, says attempts to pitch Osinbajo against Tinubu will fail

    Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Muhammadu Buhari says attempts to cause conflict between the National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu; and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in the forthcoming presidential election will fail.

    Ojudu made this known in a statement on Monday in reference to an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ breakfast programme earlier today.

    Some guests on the programme including a pro-Osinbajo group member, Alwan Hassan; and a pro-Tinubu APC member, Tunde Ajibulu, had declared and defended their individual choice of a candidate for APC in the next election.

    With the rising clamour for a Southern President in 2023, there have been reports that Tinubu and Osinbajo might be individually interested in the presidency seat though both men have yet to declare any intention to contest the exalted office in 2023.

    In a statement, Ojudu, who works in the Office of the Vice-President, said Osinbajo and Tinubu are members of the ruling party and both men welcome politics without bitterness and divisiveness.

    He also inferred that there is no conflict of political interests between the two politicians.

    The statement was titled, ‘2023 Presidential Election: No To Divisive Politics, Attempts To Foist A Crack Between Osinbajo, Tinubu Will Fail’.

    It partly read, “It is incumbent on me to state emphatically that neither the Vice President nor his office is aware of this or endorse this kind of a divisive engagement and news reports. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are members of same party. Osinbajo regards Tinubu as a respected leader of a political family to which he belongs and will therefore not for any reason endorse an endeavour that seeks to pitch them against each other.

    “We are not unaware of some people who may want to foist a crack among our leaders. Such an attempt is abortive. Osinbajo and Tinubu’s relationship dates way back and it shall continue to wax strong.

    “Let me, therefore, call on individuals and media houses engaged in this act to desist from doing so. The APC remains one single, indivisible party and Osinbajo remains a loyal member of the party who respects both the party structure as well as its leadership.

    “Moreover, the INEC has not given a go-ahead yet for politicking towards 2023. As a law-abiding citizen, Osinbajo will not commence any act in this regard until INEC blows the whistle, and in any case the VP has not indicated interest in the 2023 elections

    “While appreciating individuals who are clamouring for him to contest, we however want to plead that they should not draw him or allow themselves into an unnecessary and precipitous controversy.”

    Ojudu also welcomed Tinubu back to Nigeria after a three-month medical trip to the United Kingdom, while wishing him “good health, long life and prosperity”.

  • Nigeria’s official exchange rate ‘artificially low’ – Osinbajo

    Nigeria’s official exchange rate ‘artificially low’ – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said Nigeria’s official exchange rate is “artificially low”.

    He made the remark during a speech at the Midterm Ministerial Performance Review Retreat which was held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “As for the exchange rate, I think we need to move our rates to be more reflective of the market as possible,” Osinbajo said.

    “This, in my own respectful view, is the only way to improve supply. We can’t get new dollars into the system when the exchange rate is artificially low. And everyone knows by how much our reserves can grow.

    “So I’m convinced that the demand management strategy currently being adopted by the CBN needs a rethink.

    “All those are issues, I’m sure, that when the CBN Governor has time to address, he will be able to address in full.”

    The Central Bank’s official rate is N410 to a dollar, but rates in the parallel market go as high as N570.

  • 2023: Tinubu, Osinbajo will clearly defeat any PDP candidate excerpt… – APC chieftain

    2023: Tinubu, Osinbajo will clearly defeat any PDP candidate excerpt… – APC chieftain

    A member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel Bwala, has said that if both Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, decide to run for the presidency in 2023, they have all it takes to defeat their counterparts from the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Bwala noted that only candidate from the opposition camp that pose a threat to a Tinubu or Osinbajo presidency in 2023 is former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

    Bwala said this on Sunday on a monitored Channels Television programme while analysing the party’s preparedness alongside that of their opponents ahead of the elections.

    “These two candidates you’ve mentioned, each of them can clearly defeat any candidate that comes out of the PDP except if the candidate is Atiku Abubakar,” he said.

    While neither of them has clearly come out to state their intentions to run, there are talks that they may emerge as possible candidates.

    According to Bwala, internal stability is one of the advantages the APC has on its side.

    “If you look at the APC in the last one or two years, there is a marked stability and marketability in the party which is the reason you will find a lot of people coming to the party,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Tinubu returned from London, United Kingdom on Friday night amidst rumours of his presidential ambition after spending weeks abroad undergoing a knee surgery.

  • Osinbajo arrives London for UN Energy Summit ( Photo)

    Osinbajo arrives London for UN Energy Summit ( Photo)

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has arrived in London, the United Kingdom to participate in today’s high-level United Nations Energy Transition in Africa event, with a special focus on Nigeria.

    Representing President Muhammadu Buhari at the programme, Osinbajo would feature in meetings by the UN-Energy ahead of the UN Climate Conference COP26 to be hosted by the UK in Glasgow, Scotland, among other engagements.

    Before returning to the country on Sunday, October 10, the Vice President will hold talks with the President-Designate of COP26, Alok Sharma, a cabinet UK Minister and Chair of the British Government’s COP26 Energy Transition Council (ETC), on issues regarding the 2050 global net-zero emission target and move to align with key elements of a just and equitable transition for all.

    The parley holds at Whitehall.

    Osinbajo was accompanied by a delegation, including the Minister of State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor and the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu.

  • At 61: Vision for a united Nigeria undefeated – Osinbajo

    At 61: Vision for a united Nigeria undefeated – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) has observed that despite the current security, economic, religious, and ethnic challenges, the collective vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, where righteousness abounds still abides.

    This was the summation of Osinbajo’s remarks at the 61st Independence Anniversary Inter-denominational church service and the 45th anniversary service of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, Sunday.

    The event tagged ‘Together, Come Let Us Build’, was attended by several dignitaries, especially representatives of the National Assembly, Judiciary, and members of the Federal Executive Council including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    There were also eminent religious leaders, including the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A Adeboye; CAN President Rev. Supo Ayokunle; among others.

    Osinbajo said: “61 years ago, our founding fathers laid out a vision, that the many nations and ethnicities, North and South of the Niger, 300 languages or more, differing tribes, and religions, would by the grace of God become one Nation, that their diverse strengths and gifts would coalesce into a formidable economic and regional force. And that these United Nations may become the largest aggregation of black people on earth, a beacon of hope to all peoples of African descent, long bruised by the afflictions of slavery and colonial exploitation. Nigeria will be the reaffirmation of their dignity and a tonic to their spirits.

    “The Lord blessed the vision and prospered the land with richness in oil, in gas, in minerals of every hue. In fruit trees, in palm trees, in crops of every kind, in savannahs and forests, arable land, seas, rivers, and the riches embedded in them.

    “That vision of our forebears inheres in the words of our National Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.

    “Through the years, we worked that vision, through thick and thin. From subjection to colonial monarchy, to a sovereign republic, to civil rule to military rule. We fought a bitter war amongst brothers that cost millions of lives, and though we still wear the deep scars of those wounds, the Lord preserved the Republic.

    “We have since become the most educated and most entrepreneurial nation in Africa. 10 of our 36 States have larger economies than at least 15 African countries. From our ranks, we have the most accomplished men and women, in the arts, the sciences, sports, technology, and commerce.

    “But today, yet again, our path has been dogged by conflict; religious and ethnic, economic challenges, insurgencies and banditry, much darkness, many valleys, and many thorns. And so many ask, “can the vision of the nation united, the nation peaceful, the nation righteous and the nation prosperous yet abide?

    “But the vision is not destroyed because of the many trials and tribulations, nor is the vision denied by the days when the fig tree does not blossom, or when there is no fruit on the vines; nor is the vision nullified when the labor of the olive fails, neither is the vision defeated because the flock is cut off from the fold, leaving no herd in the stalls.

    “The Lord God, our strength, He will yet make our feet like the feet of the deer, and we, who had been in the valley, He will make us walk on our high hills (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

    “Neither hailstones nor hellfire can destroy the vision because the Creator of the universe is the visioner; the One who gave the vision is the Lord of dreams. And indeed even after we have suffered for a while, this God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us. (1 Peter 5:10)

    “Our current trials cannot draw the curtains on our story, because the vision is for an appointed time. Our today is not our tomorrow because the vision is for an appointed time.

    “This country is greater than the sum of its parts and the sum of its mistakes, and because the God we serve is greater than the sum of our collective hopes and imagination, our nation will surmount our current travails and emerge in victory.”

  • Osinbajo is APC’s second option; PDP has none – Dele Sobowale

    Osinbajo is APC’s second option; PDP has none – Dele Sobowale

    Dele Sobowale

    “Dele, have you written off Osinbajo as APC Presidential candidate?”

    Late on Monday night, while at Ibadan on a private visit, two of my sages – both well over 80, called, one after the other. One is from Delta State ; the other from Akwa Ibom. Primarily, they called for two different reasons – VAT and development of technical education. As usual, the discussion drifted to the matter of Presidential candidates for 2023. They read my prediction in the article ATIKU VERSUS TINUBU IN 2023 UNLESS. Unlike a lot of people who have called or sent text messages, they did not make the mistake of assuming that the essays represented my wish; only what will most likely occur unless certain factors intrude. They have known me long enough to understand my total detachment from the politicians. In fact, I was issuing a warning to my Fellow Nigerians. If you don’t want that contest; then do something about it. Otherwise, our national fate is sealed, for good or ill, before Election Day 2023.

    In different words, but all summarised above, they were concerned that I was ignoring Vice President Osinbajo as a possible candidate. Because, the Elder Statesmen remain among the most powerful voices in their own domains, and have committed themselves to working for Osinbajo, I will not disclose their identities now. However, their separate arguments made a strong impression on me. And, while I was still trying to find a handle for this article, one newspaper report announced that a leading APC member in Nasarawa state announced that he will support Osinbajo if he emerges as APC candidate.Then, something else came up to raise the possibility of an Osinbajo candidacy in 2023.

    However, before going on, permit me to clear one point about the VP and myself. Of all the Presidents and VPs we have had, Osinbajo and I probably have more things in common. We are not just Yoruba; we have our roots in the Ijebu-Remo part of Ogun State. We are both Christians and we attended the same secondary school – Igbobi College, Yaba. His father-in-law (name withheld) and I were founding members of Christian Conscience, CC – the group which spearheaded the effort to make a Christian Governor possible in Lagos state in 2015 against all odds. We were at one of our meetings the day Professor Osinbajo called his father-in-law to inform that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had nominated him as VP to Buhari. We immediately cancelled the day’s agenda and went into a prayer session for their success. We all worked for it in our different ways. I have never requested for an appointment or favour from the VP directly or indirectly through his father-in-law. Instead, I have given the Buhari/Osinbajo government the same treatment previous governments received from me. No favours.

    It has been necessary to make that declaration because I hate to be regarded as another “food is ready” personality waiting to be invited to “come and eat”. What follows are my honest views about the chances of the VP and what he needs to do to improve on his current position. To be candid, I don’t envy him. He is stuck between a rock and a turbulent ocean. But, nothing is impossible.

    VICE PRESIDENTS IN POLITICS

    Vice-Presidency is the most insignificant office ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived. John Adams, 1735-1826, US First VP, VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, VBQ p 260.

    Adams used so many words to describe what one of our old politicians called “a spare tyre” – often treated with scorn than respect by the President. He risks being killed in the less developed countries by the man he was elected with on the same day. So, it is a minor miracle that Osinbajo is still alive today. Late President Arap Moi of Kenya wasted a few VPs before the end. Atiku escaped death by hair’s breadth in 2006. Even those who were not openly treated with contempt at cabinet meetings, in the presence of those officially junior in rank to them, are often sidelined. Few rise above newspaper readers waiting for “Oga” to call. Despite all the humiliations, they still acquire a deep knowledge of how government works which few outsiders can match.

    That is why, in the US at least, those who have stayed long enough in the VP’s office, without losing their heads, are frequently the candidates to beat in the next election. Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, George Bush, Snr, and now, Joe Biden, were once USVPs who later became Presidents. Even Adams, who previously lamented his fate as VP, was President from 1797 to 1801. So, in a well-ordered society, being VP should be regarded as a good launching pad for the biggest job in the country. It will be a shame if Nigeria allows so much experience and knowledge to be wasted; only to bring in a novice. In Nigeria, only one VP has made it to the Presidency – Jonathan.

    If it happens and we end up with Osinbajo and Atiku, it will be a contest between two VPs – one old, the other current; one VP when the country was inrelatively good shape; the other when it is in near anarchy. But, neither one can be totally credited with the results. It depends on whether or not you subscribe to the principle of guilt by association. In that case the result is already known.

    RIVERS TO CROSS, MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB BY OSINBAJO

    “A man cannot be too careful in his choice of enemies.”

    Oscar Wilde, 1856-1900, VBQ p 48.

    Out of Nigeria’s almost 200 million Fellow Nigerians, only two have the greatest influence on Osinbajo’s political fate. We leave God out of this discussion for now. President Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu hold the keys to his emergence as a presidential candidate; and, perhaps his eventual victory. If the two agree that the VP should be the APC flag-bearer, nothing can stop him. In fact, the two-man combination will help him to cross all the rivers and climb all the mountains in front of him effortlessly. With only one, or none, supporting his bid, he has a tough task ahead. He will have to undertake the difficult assignment of creating a political structure in 36 states, 774 Local Governments and 6023 wards. He has barely started work on that important aspect. -To be sure, we have read about a few people meeting some stakeholders on his behalf. But, that will get him nowhere. He needs a full-time campaign organisation.Unfortunately, he cannot establish the organisation without clearance from these two people.

    From Buhari, he needs assurance that the President will actually support shift to the South for Presidency in 2023. Without that rock solid assurance, he will create a powerful political enemy for himself. He might as well forget the Northern votes. From Asiwaju, he needs confirmation that his former boss and great benefactor, the man who single-handedly made him VP, will not contest. If not, he will make another powerful political enemy – who still controls a good chunk of the South West votes he will need as candidate.

    It is difficult, at this time, to determine which of the two indispensable supports, if any, he will be able to secure. Buhari is already under Northern pressure to disclaim any agreement on power rotation. His fixation on establishing grazing routes, which clashes directly with the anti-grazing position of Southern states might force him to actually jettison the agreement on rotation. Instead, he will push for a Northern successor. Out goes Osinbajo. That leaves only one option: pressure can be brought to bear on Asiwaju to step down and allow a united Southern front to emerge. Knowing Tinubu, only one reason can induce him to relinquish his ambition for someone else – health. I will introduce the subject briefly now; and continue next week.

    Asiwaju Tinubu has been in London for several weeks; that is very unusual of him. Speculations are widespread about his health. Rumours fly all over. He has appeared in pictures with some high and mighty individuals in the media. So far, everybody has maintained silence regarding what they found out during their visit to him. I am willing to wait and to give Jagaban the benefit of doubt.

    However, if the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed should ever visit and pronounce Tinubu “hale and hearty”, then I will call for seven days of prayer and fasting, as the resident Evangelist and Prophet, in our prayer house MASSEY MORNING DAILY PRAYING BAND, Lagos Island. On very important matters whatever Lai says must first be regarded as fake news – until proved otherwise.

    Still, a healthy dog is better than a very sick lion.

  • Africans must ensure transparent democratic processes — Osinbajo

    Africans must ensure transparent democratic processes — Osinbajo

    The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Africans to continue to make the additional effort in ensuring that elections in the continent go through the democratic process and remain transparent and fair.

    Osinbajo said this on Monday while receiving the President-elect of Sao Tome and Principe, Carlos Vila Nova who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, revealed this in a statement titled ‘Elections in Africa must follow democratic process.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that on July 18, 2021, elections were held in Sao Tome to replace President Evaristo Carvalho, whose tenure expired on September 3, 2021.

    Based on constitutional provisions, an outright winner did not emerge from the polls and a run-off led to the emergence of Vila Nova, who would be inaugurated on October 2, 2021.

    According to the Vice President “there is no question at all that for those of us in Africa, we must make the extra effort to ensure that the democratic process is very transparent. It is such a pleasure to see that that was what took place in your country which led to your election.”

    Speaking about areas of cooperation between both countries, he said, “We already talked about some of the areas of cooperation…your tenure might be an opportunity to bring some of those things to fruition.”

    He reassured Vila Nova of Nigeria’s support to ensure that “your tenure is as comfortable and effective as possible as partners and friends.”

    In his remarks, President-elect Vila Nova expressed appreciation to the President, Muhammadu Buhari for supporting Sao Tome and also thanked the Vice President for his attention, stating that Nigeria is a “friendly country” and the relationship between both countries dates back many years.

     

  • How Nigerian elites escalate security challenges in the land – Osinbajo

    How Nigerian elites escalate security challenges in the land – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday said Nigeria’s elite play a major role in aggravating the security challenges besetting the nation.

    Professor Osinbajo stated this in his keynote address at the Leadership Conference and Awards – with the theme National and Regional Insecurity: The Role of Political and Non-Political Actors in Stabilization and Consensus Building – held in Abuja.

    The Vice President believes “the external reasons we cite as reasons for our problems cannot thrive without severe internal weaknesses in our society”.

    He added that “the chief weakness is a human one – our elite, our political, economic, and religious elite”.

    According to him, insecurity in the country is promoted through ethnic and regional sentiments, activities, and utterances of the elites that have so far proved to be socially irresponsible.

    Prof Osinbajo said the elite’s criticism of the activities of government without consideration has become a basis for insurrection and insurgency.

    “So, where are we today? On a nationwide and region-wide scale, we are seeing challenges to national order driven by a profound and pervasive sense of exclusion and marginalisation.

    “And I do not speak of ethnic or religious marginalisation which is really another elite dog whisper to acquire more for themselves in the contest for booty. I speak of a division between the have- nots who have no hope and the haves who seem to have it all.

    “So, the attacks we see on law and order are themselves symptomatic and they are driven by emergent critiques of the fabric of order itself.

    “These critiques are manifesting as insurrections and insurgencies along various axes of identity. These rejections of formal institutions may be driven by conceptions of religious obligations, ethnic identity and generational antipathies but that is only superficial.

    “What they have in common is that they are patterns of solidarity of those who have no stake in an orderly society because such society offers them nothing, and are fundamentally violent and implacable opposition to a system that appears to favour only a few,” he submitted.

    While proffering solutions, Osinbajo said Nigeria’s elite must reach a consensus with other citizens and act in solidarity to settle contending issues in the nation and enlarge the circle of opportunity, especially for the young people.

    He also argued that to tackle insecurity, the nation’s political, economic, and religious leaders must shun divisive narratives so as to bring all Nigerians together, heal rifts between communities and build bridges across divides.

    Although he acknowledged that the country is going through times of trial and testing, he said it is understandable for discontent to emerge and inspire agitation.

    He explained that in a democracy, agitation as an act of making a peoples’ voice to be heard is entirely legitimate. But he stated that what is profoundly problematic is when “we employ destructive and illicit means in pursuing agitation”.

    Osinbajo warned that the people must resist the temptation to see their sympathy with legitimate causes blind them to the destructive and illegitimate means employed by those that pursue the causes.

    Prof Osinbajo encouraged the citizens to continue in the tradition of understanding like the founding fathers who forged the national union through dialogue and negotiation, and traded compromises in the process of making the country.

    The former Lagos State commissioner, however, warned that that the call to continue this tradition does not suggest that people should be lulled into a forced silence or a passive acceptance of whatever they find unacceptable.

    “I mean that their discontent and energy can be channeled towards constructive and positive action. For instance, communities can be mobilised to participate more fully in civil life and drive movements that seek greater accountability across all levels of government.

    “While there is indeed a serious contention for the future and a battle for the soul of this nation raging, the weapons of our warfare are necessarily different. The tools with which we will build a new country and the weapons with which we will fight for her posterity are of a different order,” Osinbajo stressed.

    Quoting the famous words of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, he added: “Destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends,” urging Nigerians to contend for the soul of the country by promoting civilised values.

    He asked them to uphold a culture of life and refuse violence in any guise even by those who claim to be using it in response to attacks.

    According to him, the nation needs an inter-generational, ecumenical, and pan-Nigerian coalition willing to uphold the value and sanctity of life above and beyond all causes and differences.