Osinbajo dismisses talk of a rift between him and Buhari saying they are a united presidency

VICE president Yemi Osinbajo has dismissed suggestions that there is a political rift between himself and President Muhammadu Buhari stating that he remains loyal to his boss and they are running a united presidency.

Of late, there has been a lot of talk about President Buhari sidelining Professor Osinbajo, reducing his influence and marginalising him when it comes to the formulation of government policy. Last month, the Economic Management Team headed by Professor Osinbajo was replaced with the Economic Advisory Council, which was mandated to report directly to President Buhari.

It is believed that members of President Buhari's kitchen cabinet are behind the moves to sideline the vice president as the 2023 elections approach. However, speaking yesterday during Nigeria's 59th independence anniversary celebrations, Professor Osinbajo promised not to compromise his loyalty to President Buhari and Nigeria.

His promise was contained in a piece titled This is Nigeria circulated at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, where the vice president spoke. Professor Osinbajo's message titled Uncompromised Loyalty was contained in Brands International Special Edition of the official magazine for President Buhari’s Next Level Agenda.

It read: “Vice President Yemi Osinbajo celebrates with Nigerians on the 59th anniversary celebration, while pledging his loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari. This day means everything to us as a people because it is our day of freedom.

“Let me first congratulate my boss, President, Muhammadu Buhari, His Excellency and our national leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and First Lady and mother of the nation, Dr Aisha Muhammadu Buhari. Also, I celebrate every Nigerian out there on the street trying to make ends meet, not forgetting those who stand out in different areas of human endeavours, home and abroad.

“Fellow Nigerians, be rest assured that President Muhammadu Buhari is totally committed to his promises and the Next Level Agenda. He is the best boss and I find it thrilling to serve Nigeria under him.

"It is only responsible of me to give my unwavering loyalty to President Buhari and Nigeria as I promise to stand by him, while contributing my quota at all times to the growth of Nigeria.” I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to queue behind President Buhari as he leads us to build a stronger, bigger and greater Nigeria.”