Why Osinbajo Can Not Be Allowed At Security Meetings For Now

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. Read the
reasons below. 

“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.”