By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a group under the aegis of Plateau Friends of Osinbajo (PFO) has urged Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to run for the office of the president in the forthcoming polls, saying its decision was base on his “sterling leadership qualities”.
The Group which maintained that it was not partisan, also said its decision was predicated on the Osinbajo’s demonstration of “uncommon competence, character, courage, credibility and compassion” especially in the discharge of his responsibilities and duties as Chairman of the National Economic Council.
The Group declared its position in a communiqué issued at the end of a Town Hall Meeting held in Jos, the Plateau State Capital with the theme: Beyond Partisan Politics: Towards a Working Nigeria, read by its Convener, Mr. Tony Lat Ngwen.
It reads: “In furtherance of the advocacy for good governance which is only achievable through the entrenchment of quality, visionary and responsive leadership that is geared towards fair play, equity and justice for the improvement of the quality of lives of the Nigerian people, the Plateau Friends of Osinbajo sequel to its Town Hall Meeting themed: Beyond Partisan Politics: Towards a Working Nigeria held in Jos; have joined the league of millions of Nigerians calling on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to run for the Presidency come 2023.
According to the group, “The call on Prof Yemi Osinbajo who is popularly known as the ‘’Star Boy’’ is predicated on his sterling leadership qualities which is evidenced by his record of performance especially with the Social Intervention Programmes which have impacted the lives of many Nigerians in tremendous proportions.
“Since his assumption of office as Vice President of Nigeria in 2015, he has demonstrated uncommon competence, character, courage, credibility and compassion in discharging his responsibilities and duties as Chairman of the National Economic Council”, the Group explained.
“He is no doubt a bridge builder and an embodiment of national unity.
“From the foregoing, we are calling on Nigerians in the north, south, east and west and from all works of life to join the legion of progressives in our quest for a functional and effective presidency”, it maintained.
“Together we can better the narratives for the common good of our country’s men and women”, the Group stressed.
Earlier in a keynote address, Prof. Audu Nanven Gambo,said, what the group is doing will have a far reaching effect, and will shape the country for the better.
Gambo who is the Vice Chancellor Karl Kumm University, Vom, maintained that the choice of leaders should not be on partisan basis.
The Vice Chancellor who presented a paper titled: Beyond Partisan Politics: Towards Establishing the Culture of Good Governance; said, he was not speaking in favour of any candidate in particular, but for good governance and leadership.
According to him, “We need to start looking beyond partisan politics, but we should look for competent and vibrant people to lead us.
“Before choosing a leader, do a critical background check on the person’s family, how that person has impacted his or her community, among other critical issues”, he stressed.
