 |
There has been some disquiet in many quarters over the non-participation
of Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, at different security meetings held
by President Muhammadu Buhari since assumption of office. One was held
on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 while another one was on Wednesday, June 10,
2015 and the Vice-President was not allowed to be at both meetings. A
source however explained to Dailypost why the VP cannot attend the meetings for now.
“I am sure he would have been invited if he had security background.
Being a Professor of Law is fine, but in terms of intelligence and
access to security information, you are nowhere near the rank of Colonel
or equivalent in the Nigeria Military. Look, I have watched some
footages that if the VP gets to see, he would lose appetite for days.
Now, we have someone who has been in luxury virtually all his life,
attaining the position of VP and some people are clamouring for his
presence in highly sensitive talks. The truth is that the military
hierarchy would not even feel comfortable saying some things in his
presence. I can tell you that they respect Prof. Osinbajo as VP but they
cannot trust him with information yet.
You cannot compare him to Buhari who served in many military roles, chased away a militia that was threatening Nigeria security, overthrew a military government, became Head of State, fought corruption and went ahead to instill discipline among a stubborn citizenry. The VP would have to go through what is called ‘Stimulation’. This is a process where he is lectured on terms, dealings, operations etc. of the military. His inner strength, strong heart and ability to keep things to himself will first be put to test before he gets access to some classified materials and information. We must understand the fact that Osinbajo was a candidate promoted by Bola Tinubu (ex-Lagos Governor), he was not handpicked by Buhari. If the President had picked a vice, it is likely that such individual may get the access Osinbajo isn’t getting now. Everyone knows the VP has been loyal to Tinubu for decades and he cannot swear that he would not divulge details of these security meetings to his political godfather. So he has to earn it. Tinubu may have used his influence to put him in this position but he must draw a line between blind loyalty and national duty.”
