President Muhammadu Buhari met with traditional rulers in Ogun State on Monday in Abeokuta, where he extolled the virtues of his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Buhari spoke of Osinbajo’s pivotal role in delivering on the ‘Change Agenda’ in the past four years, particularly in his capacity as the Head of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The President gave the commendation at a meeting with the traditional rulers led by Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
Responding to the Vice President’s presentation at the meeting on the economic outlook in the country in the last four years and how the APC-led administration has done more with less resources, the President said: “Him (Osinbajo) being the Chairman of NEC is in a very strong position to know what we are earning and what we are doing with the earnings.
‘‘I am very pleased with his vast experience and intellect. He has captured effectively what the administration has done and I commend him for playing a very great part in that. Thank you, Mr Vice President.’’
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari told the traditional rulers that in all the states he had visited so far for his re-election bid, he had taken time to explain to Nigerians the achievements, programmes and future plans of his government in the three key areas of economy, security and anti-corruption.
‘‘On the promises on security, I have mentioned repeatedly that the people of the North East appreciate our undertakings because you cannot manage a country unless it is secure. We have succeeded in that and we thank God,’’ he said.
The President noted that Nigeria has attained food security under his watch, adding that many farmers have testified that fertilisers are now available and affordable.
‘‘Fighting corruption is the most difficult under our system but still, we have not given up. We are steadfast in our determination to ensure that those who abuse trust are brought before the law and punished,’’ he said.
President Buhari appealed to the traditional rulers to prevail on their subjects to be law abiding and show respect to constituted authority during and after the elections.
‘‘I am happy for what you have done on voter education so that your people can choose whoever they like from whatever party,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo assured the President that Ogun people will give him more than 60 per cent of the votes in the State to guarantee his re-election and that of their son, the Vice President, on February 16.
He hinged Ogun people’s support for Buhari on his commitment to the welfare of the masses, reflected in the array of well-conceived, executed and various ongoing projects that abound all over the country.
The Oba announced that Ogun State has been a major beneficiary of Federal Government projects, listing the Lagos-Ibadan expressway that passes through 80 per cent of the State, Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge fast train, the latest technology in train movement the world over, among others.
‘‘It was my privilege to have been part of the passengers on the trial run on the Lagos-Abeokuta stretch of the rail on Friday, February 8, 2019. Generations unborn will continue to thank your Administration for taking the bull by the horns,’’ Oba Gbadebo said.