Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has declared that his absence at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, WSCIJ, was as a result of the situation that surrounded the re-arrest of Convener of Revolution Now, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.
The vice president made the disclosure in a letter released by his media aide, Mr. Laolu Akande.
The letter was made public some hours after WSCIJ announced the postponement of the award.
In the letter addressed to the centre, Osinbajo said that it would be insensitive on his part to attend the “Integrity Specialty of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Anti-corruption Defender Award of 2019” despite the incident.
The letter reads: “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 development 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 organising team. God bless you.”
