Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is also an aspirant for president, on Friday was received by an unprecedented mammoth crowd of supporters at the palace of Ataoja of Osogboland Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye.
Where Osinbajo asked for the support of party delegates in Osun state.
Also, warmly welcomed by the Deputy Governor of the State, Mr. Benedict Alabi, representing Governor Gboyega Oyetola, at the State Government House in Osogbo, Prof. Osinbajo, members of APC reassured the delegates of people-oriented programs if they were finally elected to office in 2023.
The APC presidential hopeful, who is among prominent figures targeting to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, vowed to fix the economy.
Prof. Osinbajo expressed optimism to serve as APC’s flag bearer in the party’s primary between May 30, 2022 and June 1, 2022.
Speaking to journalists shortly after meeting the delegates at the government building, Prof. Osinbajo said, “I am very pleased with the reception in Osun and I also appreciate the opportunity to be with the delegates and share my vision with them.
“I’m sure the delegates also had a very good time interacting with me and were quite inquiring about my views on the future of this country.”
Meanwhile, under the auspices of Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s (PYO) support group, thousands of Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s supporters have stormed the popular Oja Oba Market, Oke Fia and Ataoja Palace, where they greet the Vice President at carnivals.
Members of PYO in their uniforms were seen dancing and singing in solidarity with the presidential hopeful, as did the vice president, who was delighted at the number of APC members who turned out to see him.
Speaking before Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye, the land of the Ataoja people of Osogbo, and his chiefs in the palace, Prof Osinbajo said among the presidential hopefuls battling to succeed President Muhammad Buhari in 2023, he is the most experienced and ready to become the country’s next president.
He found his striving necessitated by his commitment to offer himself for service to the people and nation.
According to him, his interventions as vice president and acting president have made him familiar with the country’s characteristics and opportunities, adding that he is determined to build on that and put the country on the pedestal of development.
He said: “I came to speak to the members of the APC in the state ahead of the presidential election. As the APC presidential candidate, I came to meet with the party’s delegates who will be voting at the upcoming national convention of the party. I’ve been to different states and Osun is important.
“I have served in government for seven years, including vice president and acting president. I have the necessary experience and I am able to lead the country. There is no part of Nigerian governance that I do not understand.
“Kabiyesi, I’m here to pay homage first, I can’t come to Osogbo and just talk to the party delegates without visiting you.
My coming to Osogbo is very important, our people need someone capable.”
In his response, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, described the vice president as an intelligent person who he said had made tremendous achievements as the country’s president.
He said: “We are grateful that you recognized our essence, so you deemed it appropriate to visit the palace.
“Tinubu was here and I promised him that we would pray for him, not knowing that someone else in a higher position would come by.
“Having served as Vice President and Acting President, you know a great deal about leadership and events in the circuit. When you served as Vice President, you did a tremendous job. I am the king, and the two aspirants have come to me to have the royal blessing done.
“Osinbajo, we know you are capable and very intelligent. But when you get there, don’t see Osogbo suffering, come to our aid.”
The state’s Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi had earlier welcomed the vice president and his entourage to the state on behalf of the governor, Gboyega Oyetola, who he said was out of state on an official engagement. CONTINUE READING…
