Group condemns attempts to disparage Osinbajo over Tinubu’s ministerial appointment, sack of agency’s EVC

*The Era Of Change, a political group, condemns recent attempts by ‘some faceless individuals’ to disparage former Vice-President (Prof.) Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s recent decisions to drop Maryam Shetty as a ministerial nominee, and remove Dr. Bashir Gwandu as Executive Vice-Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Era Of Change (EOC), a political group in Nigeria, has condemned recent attempts by some faceless individuals to disparage Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, immediate former Vice-President of Nigeria, over recent decisions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to drop a ministerial nominee, and remove Dr. Bashir Gwandu, ex-Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The group, Era Of Change (EOC), in a statement signed and issued Monday, September 4, 2023, by Amb. Yahaya Umar, National Coordinator, noted that the party politics within the ruling All Progressives Congress should not be used to target the former No. 2 citizen whom, the EOC noted had already received global applause for the meritorious services he rendered to his fatherland, such as the award of Africa’s “Peace Icon” by Peace Ambassador Agency Worldwide.

Referring to the recent pre-ministerial appointment’s scheming, which saw the President Tinubu’s withdrawal of the ministerial nomination of Maryam Shetty from Kano State and her replacement with Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the organisation faulted what it called an “unverified and unfounded claim” that Shetty was reportedly dropped for being an ardent supporter of Prof. Osinbajo as circulated in a section of the media.

Similarly, the group described the report which circulated at the weekend as “a wicked fabrication”, for suggesting that Dr. Gwandu was equally sacked by Tinubu and replaced by Khalil Suleiman Halilu “with immediate effect,” because the former NASENI EVC/CEO “was recommended for the position by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is not in the good books of the current administration, even though they’re all members of the same party.”

The news report was “a mere speculation and fabrication from the figment of the imagination of the writer who was not bold enough to name any credible source, which obviously is nonexistent,” stated the EOC.

While dismissing the reports for linking the withdrawal of Shetty’s nomination as a minister to her support for Osinbajo during the party’s presidential primaries in Abuja, FCT, the Era Of Change National Coordinator further clarified “we think some people are simply trying to create bad blood within the party and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goal.”

Umar stated: “Prof. Osinbajo has served Nigeria meritoriously and would not interfere with the new government, why drag him into matters he has no business in?

“It is important to note that some people who worked for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to emerge as President were not appointed; would that be attributed to Prof. Osinbajo too?”

The group added that Prof. Osinbajo is a staunch APC member, and will continue to be committed to the party irrespective of what traducers say.

The statement noted: “Osinbajo has global engagements and appointments, and he is more concerned about giving his best to Nigeria and Nigerians through these engagements. He should be left out of this weak politics.

“Those behind this petty rumour should desist, the APC as a party has worked to do and every member of the ruling party should pour their energy into this course.”

The EOC also said: “We wish President Tinubu well as he works tirelessly to steer Nigeria in the right direction.

“All hands should be on deck as the party delivers on campaign promises.”

In regard to Gwandu’s sack, the group as well said the President as the head of the government has the right to decide on who he retains and who he sacks, especially as he is forming his direct team after assuming office as the country’s helmsman.

The EOC warned in the statement: “President Bola Tinubu is now the boss of everyone. And by his constitutional mandate, he has the power to appoint and sack anyone without prior notice; that is what makes him the Commander-in-Chief.

“It is his time, let him decide as he likes in the national interests. Don’t bring the name of Osinbajo, who has served creditable well into the mainstream of activities.

“Let the current government decide on the best way forward for the country.”

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