Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said that he would have done a disservice to the Nigerian people and injustice to Nigeria if he failed to contest in the next year’s presidential election, saying “it will be a betrayal not to accept to serve our dear country”
Osinbajo stated this on Monday in Akure, Ondo State capital, during his visit to the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, said retiring to his Ikene country home with all the experiences garnered as a public servant would amount to disservice to the people and himself, saying he cannot afford to retire early from politics.
He said the visit was to intimate Akeredolu and his cabinet, as well as state lawmakers and APC chieftains in the state, of his desire to run for the party’s presidential ticket.
He, however, solicited the support of delegates in the state for his aspiration, disclosing that by virtue of the active roles President Muhammadu Buhari bestowed on him, he is more than ready to lead the country.
He said, “Opportunity of public service is the most valuable thing. It comes once in a while. It is a special privilege to be called upon to serve. Our country needs service. That is what will get our country out of the doldrums.
“I have formally declared my intention to run as President. It was because nobody can be anything if God has not decided it. I believe the hand of God must be upon me.
“In that capacity, I got to find out so many things and gained lots of experience. I had opportunities to do what I could do. Knowing what I know and experience I think it will be a betrayal to our Nation.
“With all that has been given to me, I now retire quietly, it will be a great disservice to our country. I want to ensure I make the best case for the position I can.
“Now the opportunity has come, knowing what I know and the experience I have had, it will be a betrayal of all that I have been given I now retire to either Lagos or Ikenne to write memoirs, it will be a great injustice.
“I have come to you because you can make it happen as delegates. We make sure that. Nobody can be anything unless God says you will become what He has planned. God will make it happen and we will give the nation the best.”
Speaking earlier, Akeredolu corroborated with the Vice President that it is only God that enthrones, emphasising that the emergence of Osinbajo as the number two citizen in 2015 was divine.
“We have known ourselves for long, not today. We did not meet in politics, we have been friends since secondary school. Nothing can separate us as friends.
“Ondo State is a state for you and a state for all. Be homely, this is your home. Where you are going, it is God that can take you there. It is only God that can do it.”
Tribune