The Nigerian literary mind, Chimamanda Adichie, has praised the Nigerian vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and revealed that she had hoped he won the All Progressives Congress’ primary election.
Recall that the Nigerian president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thrashed Osinbajo at the APC’s primary election by polling 1271 votes against vice president’s pitiable 235.
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Adichie had, during a book presentation in honour of the VP, revealed that she was rooting for the vice president during the primary but by some ‘mysterious process’, he didn’t emerge.
“It feels to me that this book is a labour of love. And the fact that it is a labour of love says something about the subject, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
“It speaks to a humane and human qualities that he has; the ability to bring diverse people together. And it is also evident in the team that he has worked with as vice president. I had a good fortune of meeting some of them last year in prof’s office.”
Speaking further, Adichie claimed her late mother said Osinbajo is different, unlike the others, an idea she claimed she subscribed to.
“I remember watching Prof’s magnificent speech at the APC’s primary and I was particularly struck by these words from him “You cannot wish this country well and vote for someone you do not believe in”.
“And after listening to that speech, I was certain that prof would win, to use an American colloquialism, a no-brainier. But by some magically mysterious or perhaps mysteriously magical process, he did not win.
“I remember sending prof a message, erm, saying that I had hoped he win and also telling him how conflicted I would have been because he is the only other person I could have supported in this election,” she said.
Adichie’s inclusion as a speaker at the VP’s book launch has generated heated debates among Nigerians, especially those who felt she was undeserving of such honour due to her stance against the same government Osinbajo is part of.
“Sadly Osinbajo invited Chimamanda to his book launch and she is currently speaking. How can Osinbajo who wants to be president of Nigeria invite a Chimamanda who said she does not believe in Nigeria and also rejected National honour from Nigeria,” one wrote.
Some, like @damilare, were appalled by Osinbajo’s hypocrisy and accused the vice president of being disloyal to his benefactor.
“I can’t believe the Vice President gave her a voice to discredit Nigeria. I listened to her speech, same narrative, little substance, her critique on politics of patronage is a contradiction. Wasn’t Prof Osinbajo handpicked by Asiwaju? This hypocrisy is nauseating,” he wrote.
Recall that Tinubu had revealed how he single-handedly handpicked Osinbajo to be President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in a slot meant for the APC party leader and he has gone on to be the vice president for 8years. Watch video below.
@freelanews Watch the historical speech of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu before election (Part 2) #foryou #trending #naijapolitics #tiktoknaija ♬ original sound – OtunbaVictor
Listen to Adichie’s speech below.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
