Ex-SGF Mustapha Makes Surprising Revelation On Who Buhari Preferred As Vice President Over Osinbajo

Ex-SGF Mustapha Makes Surprising Revelation On Who Buhari Preferred As Vice President Over Osinbajo

From the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, came a surprising revelation that former President Muhammadu Buhari had wanted Senator Adeleke Olurunnimbe Mamora to be his running mate…CONTINUE READING

Mustapha made this disclosure during a Thank You dinner organized by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), led by Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, in Abuja.

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He revealed that Mamora was among the members of the federal executive council (FEC) that Buhari held in high regard.

However, Mustapha did not clarify whether Buhari’s preference for Mamora was prior to his second term in office or during the lead-up to the 2015 elections when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had reportedly nominated former President Prof Yemi Osinbajo to serve as Buhari’s running mate.

Recalling his acquaintance with Mamora during his days as the deputy national chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mustapha explained that Buhari’s decision to appoint Mamora as the Minister of Science and Technology, after he had served as the Minister of State for Health, spoke volumes about the relationship between them.

Mustapha also highlighted Mamora’s nomination to serve as the director of contact and mobilization, as well as the deputy director general of the APC campaign council for the 2015 and 2019 elections, as evidence of Buhari’s trust in Mamora.

The politician, originally from Adamawa, described Mamora as a modest individual without any airs about him. He remarked, “He is simple and unpretentious. He treats you with respect. When he spoke at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), we all paid careful attention because his analysis of the issues was comprehensive. He always had something valuable to contribute to each subject matter.”

“He is a versatile individual. You (Mamora) have served Nigeria well and are a gift to the nation. We will continue to tap into your knowledge and abilities. Do not see retirement in your future. We believe you will still be called upon to serve,” Mustapha added.

Akinbode, CAPPA’s Executive Director, who presented the award for lifetime commitment to public health to Mamora, expressed gratitude for his role in the passage of the national tobacco control Act (NTCA). He also cited Mamora’s efforts in controlling the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and regulating trans fats as justification for the award conferred on him by the public health community in Nigeria.

Akinbode called on public officials and other prominent Nigerians to follow Mamora’s example by striving to instill positive change in the country.

Mamora, who served as a two-term senator, recalled the challenges encountered in enacting the tobacco control law, as lobbyists sponsored by tobacco manufacturers worked relentlessly to stall the passage of the law in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Reflecting on his years as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator, Director-General of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and Minister, Mamora reminded those entrusted with leadership positions in the country to leave behind a lasting legacy, as power remains temporary.

He added, “Public office is a public trust, and it’s about service and your ability to positively influence decisions. It’s not about perfection, but as human beings, we must strive to make a difference so that when you are no longer in office, people will have positive things to say about you.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the former governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Women Affairs Minister, Paulen Tallen, numerous serving and former Ministers, national and state Assembly members, health professionals, and civil society organizations (CSOs).