By Oluwafemi Popoola
An elder statesman and former leader of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has given his blessings to the presidential ambition of Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, just few weeks to the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election.
Fasoranti gave his blessing on Monday, April 25, 2022, while receiving the Vice President at his home in Akure, Ondo State.
VP Osinbajo, in continuation of his tour to meet with critical All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates, stakeholders and political actors in the country ahead of the party primary elections scheduled to hold on May 30, had visited Akure to meet with some prominent personalities in the state.
On his arrival in the state, Osinbajo, who was received by the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi, Akeredolu, SAN, met with him and APC leaders in the state.
He was also at the palace of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, where the VP was praised for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the service of the country.
The monarch prayed for the VP’s success in attaining his objective, noting that, “had it been it were in advanced countries, in all of the APC, nobody would run (for president), they would all just support you.”
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While in the State, the Vice President also paid a visit to one of Afenifere’s respected leaders, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, where he received the blessings of the revered Yoruba leader for his aspiration to become President of Nigeria.
Pa Fasoranti, while commenting on Osinbajo’s aspiration to become Nigeria’s president, prayed for the VP and gave his blessings to his presidential ambition, saying he knew why the VP had come.
He said, “I know the purpose of your visit and I also wish the project a success, as you go about, may you continue to find favour with people and at the end of the day, we shall say, congratulations. Your are welcome.”
The VP, however, thanked the Yoruba leader for his contributions to the development of the country, noting that “your counsel and guidance have always been extremely useful and treasured by all of us.
“Those of us in politics and government particularly find your counsel very useful; and we know you have a heart, not just for the Yoruba or the citizens of Ondo State, but for our whole country.”
During the VP’s visit to the state, Osinbajo spoke extensively on his experience being the Vice President for seven years coupled with the rare opportunity of acting as President on three occasions and counting himself fortunate for going through that intense training.
The VP said, it would be a disservice to the nation on his part to not utilize the wealth of experience he has garnered over the years to further serve the nation in the highest capacity.
In his words,” In those capacities as VP and acting President in particular, I got to know so many things that many people would never have ever have come across, and I gained a lot of experience on that account. Now, the opportunity has come.
“With the experience I have, with all the contacts and connections that I have made, nationally and internationally, I think that it would be a betrayal to our country, to our nation… with all that has been given to me by the grace of God, with all of my experience, to say that, oh, I will now retire quietly either to Lagos or Ikenne, and go and be writing my memoirs; it would be a grave injustice to our country.
“That is why I decided to pour my heart into it, and ensure that I make up this case for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I believe that with God helping, if God gives us the opportunity, and the will of the people also, that will be the case, God will make it happen; I will have the opportunity to give this nation the very best that I can give, with all of our hearts, in everything that we can, with sincerity, openness and transparency. That is the desire of my heart,” Prof Osinbajo concluded.
