21st November, 2021
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described late Capt. Joseph Din (rtd) as not only an elder statesman, a believer in one Nigeria, but also an extraordinary individual, soldier, businessman, community leader, and patriot.
Speaking today in Jos at the funeral service of the late Captain, Osinbajo said that the deceased was a friend and worthy confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Din, who was the chair of the Elders Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Plateau State, believed in the rule of law and was always on the side of justice and fairness.
Noting that although the late elder statesman, 84, was not a professional lawyer, he knew much about the motions and injunctions in law.
“I was close to Chief Rotimi Williams who was his neighbour and his lawyer. In fact, at the interactions I’ve had with Chief Williams, he was always present, I’m quite surprised that he never became a lawyer, but he knew all the motions, injunction,” the VP noted.
“He was a friend and worthy confidant of our President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who described him as a trusted and worthy ally of many years. The reason I’m sure that he described him as such is that he was objective, balanced and fair-minded and because that was his friend who was never afraid to tell him the truth, and he did on many occasions.”
Continuing in a tribute he paid to the late retired military officer at the funeral service at Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Jos, the VP said he read “an interview that he (Din) gave where he spoke about the unity and peace and security of Nigeria, and as usual, he was frank and it was in-depth.
“Nigeria will miss a true patriot, a man who loved his family with passion, and all his children can attest to that. A fair-minded man, and a man who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Commiserating with the wife – Mrs Christiana Din, children and family members of the late Capt. Din, the Vice President also extended condolences on behalf of the Federal Government.
“I pray that the Lord will comfort you all. The Scriptures tell us that for those who love the Lord, the righteous, the love and mercy of God will be with their children’s children, for a thousand generations, after they are gone.
“I pray for you, that indeed for a thousand generations, not just you, but for generations after, will know the mercy of God, because your father lived a life as a Christian and righteously,” the VP prayed.