A grateful
President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday that the performance of Acting
President Yemi Osinbajo while he was away, was buoyed by his youthfulness and
intellectual capacity.
The
president, however, said of himself that he has age and military background
going for him.
Mr. Buhari
made these observations when he received political leaders in the State House
shortly after he returned to Nigeria from medical vacation on Friday.
The
president departed for London on January 19, in a trip that was initially
announced as annual vacation but which later turned out to be an extended
medical vacation.
The
president handed over to Mr. Osinbajo, who has been acting president for the
past 50 days.
Mr.
Osinbajo’s capacity had seen him swear in a new Chief Justice of Nigeria, sign
seven bills into law, criss-cross the restive Niger-Delta to appease the
oil-producing communities, amongst other critical national assignments.
The vice
president’s pace of action was commended by several Nigerians, prompting many
to suggest that he should continue playing the major roles in the government.
“Youth and
intellect is squarely behind him,” Mr. Buhari said while commending the work
done by Mr. Osinbajo. “Continue to do the work, Nigeria will continue whether
we are here or not.”
Mr.
Buhari said he has his age and experience but strongly encouraged the vice
president to step up activities in critical sectors of the country.
“Age and
purely military experience is behind me,” he said. “And my single most
important advice is for you to take education of everybody under you very
seriously.”
“We must
do more on education.”
Mr.
Osinbajo, in his response, acknowledged there were challenges but appreciated
the trust his principal reposed in him, quipping that he found going around in
borrowed robes most enchanting.
“I must
say that it has been an interesting period going around the nation maybe in
borrowed robes,” the acting president said. ” I must say I had a very
interesting and challenging time but above all, the president gave us the good
support.”
A
statement from the State House said Mr. Buhari will officially write to the
National Assembly to notify senators of his intention to reassume his
opposition as president.
A civic
group, CISLAC, had earlier commended the president for asking Mr. Osinbajo to
act as president while he recovered.
In a
statement by Auwal Rafsanjani, its executive director, CISLAC said the
president’s personal acknowledgement of his health crisis and delegation of
presidential powers to his vice president were unprecedented.
“We
consider this decision very patriotic, confirming the president as a statesman
and leader who places national interest above personal interests and does not
possess the sit-tight mentality typical of many leaders on the continent,” the
group said.
sorce:http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/225826-osinbajo-performing-well-buhari.html
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