Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has posited that holding political offices in Nigeria is just an opportunity to serve and create impacts positively in the lives of citizens, instead of revelling in the prestige of the office.
Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Tuesday during the launching of the book titled “Deputising and Governance in Nigeria”, which is authored by the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in Abuja.
“A thought that runs through the book is that despite the put-downs of the office, being political number 2 is important because the political office is about the lives of millions of people not just about the prestige of office.”
“In our Constitutional Democracy, the effectiveness of the number 2, the Vice President, depends a great deal on the trust reposed in him by the President. That is a function of loyalty and it goes both ways as Umar Ganduje points out in his book.”
Comparatively, VP Osinbajo commented on his relationship with President Buhari, noting that their relationship is ideal and worthy of emulation.
In his words, “More fortunate than others in my relationship with my principal, Mr. President.”
“When he was leaving on medical leave, the second time, there were a few things that were outstanding to send to him, and he said, “I don’t want you to send me anything, it is your job now, just make sure you do a good job.”
“As former President Jonathan said, of his relationship with late Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the President does not expect me to call him when he is away, he expects that I know what to do and should do it.
“Indeed, once when I called him, he said, “Professor, I am on leave, you are supposed to do your job. Do whatever you want to do, when I come back, we will discuss it.” And that is the way we have always related. I think that is ideal, and I recommend it to principals everywhere.”
