Immediate past vice president of Nigeria, professor Yemi Osibanjo has appealed to Nigerians to desist from making promises they are incapable of fulfilling.
Professor Yemi Osibanjo made the remark during his speech at the MIVA university matriculation ceremony in Abuja over the weekend. He enjoined the students to embrace integrity and be upright in their dealings.
Osibanjo lamented that it’s becoming difficult to find people of integrity in Nigeria. According to him, people of integrity are highly sought after and respected across professions and communities. However, only a few people in Nigeria can be described as people of integrity. He said though people doubt if truly being of a person of integrity rewards, that it does in the long run.
“Even thieves are looking for men and women of integrity to keep their stolen money with. Life is a marathon. It’s not a hundred-metre race. The person who will last in that marathon is trustworthy because trust is the currency of business and interpersonal relationships. If you are known to have no integrity, everyone will soon know it.”
Professor Yemi Osibanjo who has been out of the public eye since leaving office two years ago, argued that even thieves seek people of integrity to safekeep their stolen money and items.
He further stated that integrity can be manifested in debt repayment. He enjoined the students to always repay their loans at the appropriate time rather than defaulting in the loan repayment; he said such a way, the person proves he can be relied on.
“Integrity pays. It is getting scarcer. It’s becoming more difficult to find people of integrity. So, it is in high demand. And I can say that because people of integrity are in demand; they are much sought after by everyone. If you borrow money, you should pay it back. Don’t make promises you can’t fulfil”.
However, Osibanjo’s advice to Nigerians was received with varying opinions. He was queried by Nigerians why the administration of Buhari-Osibanjo administration failed to keep to its campaign promises across its eight years reign.
Recall that Professor Osibanjo sought to succeed his principal, Muhammadu Buhari. He contested that All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential primary election but lost the ticket to his former boss, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who thereafter won the presidential election.
In the face of the underperforming government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Osibanjo has neither publicly criticized Tinubu’s administration nor seen visiting the president in Aso Rock. His sitting on the fence while Nigerians grapple with unprecedented economic hardship, has made many question if truly he cares about the wellness of Nigerians.