“So in moments when the seat is hot and the atmosphere is charged, people like Vice President Osinbajo, endowed with an incredible manifestation of the Grace of God, can stay in the game and show us as a nation and a people to what is increasingly possible when we follow right and lead well’’
As President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians celebrate the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), on the momentous occasion of attaining 64 years, a striking expression of encomiums has been registered by the man, who knows him and has worked with him intimately.
He is no other person than Osinbajo’s spokesman for about six years, Mr Laolu Akande, who has given an insight into the VP’s leadership qualities in an interaction with the media on Sunday night soon after the President described the VP “as a reliable and dedicated deputy.”
Buhari, in his testimonial, said his deputy is reliable in the discharge of his duties and cool-headed.
Persecondnews recalls that Osinbajo, who hails from Ikenne,Ogun State, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s country home, had served as the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2003 recording sone landmark judgments against President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration at the Supreme Court.
Of note is the seized fund of Lagos State Councils by the Federal Government following the creation of additional 37 local council development areas by the Gov. Bola Tinubu administration.
Building on the presidential testimonial, Akande said: “The kind of relationship that exists between the President and the VP inspires many of us, and can definitely energize significant national rebirth and development even at a time like this.”
He said by following the President dutifully and faithfully, Prof. Osinbajo had demonstrated that good leaders are first good followers and to use the word of the President, “reliable” team members.
“Because Osinbajo is reliable in the discharge of his duties and cool-headed as Mr. President noted, he becomes an example that many are so willing to follow and emulate in life. I do,” Persecondnews quotes the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Office of the Vice-President, as saying.
According to Akande, the reason why many younger people seek after Prof Osinbajo and their quest to have him attend to issues is because many see him as someone who is believable and they can relate with.
“The Prof. has effortlessly and managed quite comfortably to connect with the younger people and his messages easily resonate with them.
“Even his peers and in many instances those older than him also find him exemplary, all you need to do is to review what many of these or those ahead of him have said about him publicly.
“The latest is from the President when he said his deputy “is an incredibly patient politician who demonstrates remarkable intellectual and mental energy in the discharge of his duties.”
“Greatness comes in twin pieces. You follow well and learn leading well. You work hard and understand the value of reward. Osinbajo is following well and working hard,” Akande also said.
On Osinbajo’s deft handling of turbulent situations, Akande said: “So in moments when the seat is hot and the atmosphere is charged, people like Vice President Osinbajo, endowed with an incredible manifestation of the Grace of God, can stay in the game and show us as a nation and a people to what is increasingly possible when we follow right and lead well.
“Happy birthday my dear Prof!’’
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