Osinbajo has tried to make things happen in Nigeria’s difficult political terrain, says Rewane

Bismarck Rewane, chief executive officer (CEO) of Financial Derivatives Company, says Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has tried to make things happen in the “difficult terrain” of Nigeria’s politics.

Speaking at a public lecture in commemoration of the 64th birthday anniversary of Osinbajo on Monday, Rewane said the policies by the vice-president also helped to stabilise the naira.

The lecture was organised by the Building the Future Forum (BTFF).

According to Rewane, the vice-president leaves a positive mark anywhere he is given an opportunity to serve.

“I can say categorically that prof made things happen when he was lecturing at the University of Lagos. He made things happen in Lagos state, on the board of Citibank, in the legal system of Nigeria as attorney-general of Lagos state, including judicial reform. He also made things happen as a clergyman,” he said.

“He has also tried to make things happen in the difficult terrain of Nigerian politics. I have witnessed him as a policymaker, a lecturer, a man of faith, and a solicitor to a good friend of mine.

“I remember once again under his stewardship, the adoption of the I&E window, which was a major achievement in stabilising the naira at a time of turbulence in the 2016-17 recession.

“Nigeria today has made remarkable achievements in the ease of doing business matrix. Nigeria is the leading country according to The Economist Pocket Book of Figures with 39.9 percent of its citizens either as nascent or direct entrepreneurs.”

Rewane also noted that Osinbajo does not tolerate any form of sycophancy.

“We live in a time of extreme sycophancy and hero-worshiping that many will ask me why are you participating, or what have you been promised to sing his praise,” the economist said.

“No. The prof was not and is not aware of what I want to say, discuss or interrogate this morning. Knowing him as I do, he will not endorse any form of sycophancy.

“Where you place prof Yemi Osinbajo will depend on your judgment of his numerous accomplishments and contributions to the Nigerian project.”