Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has explained why he had to pull out of the Wole Soyinka’s Centre award ceremony slated 9 December, 2019.
In a statement issued by Laolu Akande, spokesperson to Prof Osinbajo and titled “For The Records”, the Vice President explained why he couldn’t grace the award were he was to receive an anti-corruption award.
“I am extremely grateful for the recognition and award of the “Integrity Specialty of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Anti-corruption Defender Award of 2019” to me.
“The award, I note, is for our Justice reform efforts in Lagos State. I had accepted the award with pride on behalf of the excellent Justice Sector team we had.
“However, two reasons explain my absence. First is that I am currently in Abu Dhabi for an international meeting under the auspices of the government of the UAE where I am the keynote speaker.
“Second, in view of the developments on Friday in the Sowore case, I think it would be insensitive and inappropriate to attend the ceremony.
“Please accept my heartfelt apologies and extend the same to the other members of the organizing team. God bless you.”
