Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says holding political office is more of an opportunity to serve and impact on lives of millions of people than the prestige that comes with the position.
His spokesman, Mr Laolu Akande, quoted the vice-president as making the assertion at the unveiling of a book titled “Deputising and Governance in Nigeria’’.
The book was authored by the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.
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The book launch was part of the programme at a workshop where the roles of a deputy to an elected public official, especially vice- presidents and deputy governors came under public searchlight.
The workshop featured reminiscences by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was deputy to deceased President Umaru Yar’Adua, Osinbajo, the author himself and his deputy, Alhaji Nasir Gawuna.
Osinbajo said;
A thought that runs through the book is that in spite of the put-downs of the office, being political number two is important.
This is because political office is about the lives of millions of people and not just about the prestige of office.
In our constitutional democracy, the effectiveness of the number two citizen, the vice-president, depends a great deal on the trust reposed in him by the president.
That is a function of loyalty and it goes both ways as Ganduje points out in his book.
The vice-president highlighted the importance of dedication, loyalty and service in political office on governance.
He described the relationship between him and his boss – President Muhammadu Buhari, as ideal and exemplary.
Osinbajo recalled;
I am more fortunate than others in my relationship with my principal, the president who genuinely believes in the role of the vice-president.
At a time that he was embarking on medical leave, there were a few things that were outstanding to send to him.
All he said was: “I don’t want you to send me anything, it is your job now, just make sure you do a good job.”
