Mr. Vice-President, I would like to sum up your tenure in the following words: you achieved more things in the short time you acted as the president than most Nigerian presidents have in a full term.
You got things done when you had the power and opportunity, and when you didn’t, we (that is, those in the know) are super proud of your efforts nonetheless.
In those moments, I used to see you as an NGO in your own government, a testament to your people-centered approach to governance.
History will be kind to you, no doubt, even though most people never quite saw how hard you worked behind the scenes.
It will be kind because it is difficult not to see your indomitable Nigerian spirit, your love for the youth and innovation, your can-do attitude to most things, and your love for this country.
When you were in charge, we saw the possibilities, and we started believing in Nigeria again. Let me mention a few of my favorite PYO achievements.
- You successfully coordinated and delivered the largest social investment projects of our time in your first term. The evidence of delivery is there for all to see, as is your reputation as a champion for those in need
- You re-introduced community policing as the country’s approach to policing, re-energizing the Police in the process. I still strongly believe this is the solution to many of our insecurity problems with proper implementation
ALSO READ:Â IPMAN president backs Tinubu subsidy removal, calls for palliatives
- You once crashed the exchange rate from about N603:$1 to N398:$1, demonstrating that political will is all it takes to move the needle
- In your first term, you took decisive action to get rid of fuel scarcity and queues, at least for some time
- You calmed restiveness in the Niger Delta at a time when our oil production levels were dropping considerably. You did the same in the North in the wake of threats to evict southeasterners
- You helped produce many visionary documents that will remain useful for many years, e.g., the National Livestock Transformation Plan, the Economic Sustainability Plan, the Energy Transition Plan, etc.
As you step down as Vice-President, I can’t help but wonder if this will mean more suits and less Osinbajo-type attire. Or that we will no longer see you dancing to the Buga song or delivering speeches that simply inspire like none other. I hope not.
The story of your contributions to Nigeria and Africa is still being written. This is just the end of another chapter.
Whether it is championing energy transition and climate change on the continent, promoting people-centered justice wherever, or contributing to the educational advancement of children affected by conflict, I really can’t wait to see what you do next.
Congratulations and farewell, Mr. Vice-President!
Written by Akingbolahan Adeniran, an international lawyer & public policy strategist