Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says Nigeria was on the threshold of greatness, noting that the security and religious challenges facing the nation were evidence that something great was on the way.

 

Osinbajo said this yesterday when he led a delegation of residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to pay Sallah homage to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

 

He said: “First let me congratulate you on this very solemn occasion that marks the end of the Ramadan. I want to say that God almighty has been extremely good to you and to our government. I recall about two years ago when I had to host this particular event because you were away on medical leave at the time.”

 

“But God has been so good; not only did he bring you back healthier than when you left, but has also been gracious enough for you to have a second opportunity to lead our great. I thank the almighty God for you and for all of us who have been a part of your government and who have been a part of what God has done in our midst.”

 

He discountenanced the politicization of religion by politicians in the country, warning that “we must not allow the rhetoric of religion to supersede the rhetoric of unity. We must also speak up, we must seek ways that will unite our country.”

 

 

Osinbajo lauded President Buhari for the leadership he had shown in the past four years and in his second term.

 

Responding, President Muhammadu Buhari assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja that his administration will do everything possible to protect them despite voting against him during the February 2019 presidential election.

 

Buhari said he would continue to protect the seat of power because any negative thing that happens to the place would also affect him and the entire residents.

 

The President also pleaded with political leaders, especially his supporters, not to complain against his administration to avoid sending negative signals that would make his government unpopular.

 

 

He said: “I want to appreciate the number two man of the country (Vice President Yemi Osinbajo) because he knows what we are going through very quietly. I am very pleased that you came with this very powerful constituency…

 

“I appeal to you to remain exemplary so that those under you will know that the country is doing very well. If you break down and complain, the impact will reverberate all over and then, government will not be popular and whatever efforts we are making will not be appreciated.

 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was accompanied on the visit by the Murshid, Abuja Central Mosque, Prof. Shehu Umar Galadanci, former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

 

Others were the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, Director General of the Department for State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Jalal Arabi, former Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, amongst others.