Why Osinbajo Absent At Buhari’s Security Meetings

Security sources have explained the reason behind the absence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at various security meetings held by President Muhammadu Buhari, Daily Post reports.

President Buhari has already twice met with the national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, the chief of defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the chief of army staff, Major General Kenneth Minimah; the chief of naval staff, Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin; the chief of air staff, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu; and the inspector general of police, Solomon Arase.
The first time was on Tuesday, June 2, and the second time on June 10, yesterday. The meetings were held at the Defence House in Abuja.
A number of media sources reported that Osinbajo was ‘locked out’ of the meeting on the orders of Buhari.
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However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to explain why Osinbajo did not attend the meeting.A source who is well-connected to many security agencies and their top echelons said the VP may not be allowed access to such meetings for the time being..
He reminded those blaming Buhari for shelving Osinbajo that VP is a legal luminary, not a security expert.
His words: “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 no where 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.
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“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.”
While answering if Osinbajo would continue to stay back and watch, the source said: “He would be brought in but not now.”
“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.”
The source also spoke about the possibility of politics being a reason why Osinbajo has not been part of the security meetings.
“We must understand the fact that Osinbajo was a candidate promoted by Bola Tinubu (ex-Lagos Governor), he was not handpicked by Buhari.
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“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.”

Yesterday Buhari discussed with security chiefs issues of the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the contributions of each member state.