Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that to effectively tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, the country would need leaders in the mould of his principal, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
He also argued that only few administrations faced the plethora of security challenges currently bedevilling the country before Buhari took over in 2015.
The vice president stated this on Saturday in Delta State, where he paid courtesy calls to the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso; and the Olu of Warri, HRM Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, titled, Ósinbajo in Delta, visits Olu of Warri, Ovie of Uvwie, says collaboration with traditional rulers is critical now’.
While emphasizing the Buhari regime’s three-pronged focus on improving the economy, security and the fight against corruption, Osinbajo noted that the administration was battling enormous security challenges.
He said, “We also recognize, especially with security, that very few administrations, have been confronted with the plethora of security challenges that we have been confronted with.
“Frankly, when you look at the sheer number and range of those security challenges, it is evident that it is necessary to have a leader such as President Buhari to be able to even take on those challenges.”
Osinbajo, however, stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers across the country and government at all levels, saying security challenges facing the country in recent times cannot be left alone for the government to tackle.
Speaking at the Palace of the Olu of Warri, the vice president stated that, “the role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is absolutely critical to security; and I am happy that this is something that you also not only recognize, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.”
Aside from the major roles of the security agencies in ensuring security, the vice president observed that traditional rulers in the country also have vital roles to play in their respective communities because of their moral authority.
“We recognize that the traditional rulership of our country holds a moral place in the live and esteem of our people, and it is that moral place that we, very frequently, have to call upon, in order to mediate some of the conflicts that give rise to the security challenges that we have,” he said.
While again congratulating the Olu of Warri on his ascension, Osinbajo stated that “the ascension to the throne of your fathers would be for the benefit of the community and nation.”
“I want to say that the reason, first, is because you bring to this stool, not just the energy and farsightedness; but more importantly, your antecedents in business, in innovation and entrepreneurship. So, many are looking to see how this will benefit not just Warri but also our nation.”
In his remarks, the Olu of Warri described the vice president’s visit as a ‘homecoming,’ and thanked him for his good works as Buhari’s deputy and for ‘putting Nigeria first.’
“We thank you for the good work that you have been doing; supporting the President and putting Nigeria first. Please be assured that our prayers are continually with you and with the nation in general.
“It is our prayer that the Lord who brought you here safely will take you back safely and in all your endeavours going forward as your administration finishes in the next one year. You will finish strong, you will finish well; and by the Grace of God, I am sure we will be seeing more of you in different capacities, and we look forward to that.”
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