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By Nasir Kura
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abeokuta extolled the virtues of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and his pivotal role in delivering on the change agenda of the present administration 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 Ogun state 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 All Progressives Congress-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.”
The president said in all the states he had visited for his re-election campaign, he had taken time to explain to Nigerians the achievements, programmes and future plans of federal 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 said the country 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.
He 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 would give him more than 60 percent of the votes to guarantee his re-election and that of their son, the Vice President.
He said Ogun people would support the president because of his commitment to the welfare of the masses and the various projects the federal government has executed across the country, especially the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge fast train.
‘‘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,’’ he said.
