Wednesday, 18 July 2018

TRILLS,FRILLS IN KWARA AS BOKOLA SARAKI MAKES TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, PROMISES TO REVEAL HIS POLITICAL PLANS SOON

 

In the mind of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, the 7th of July , 2018   is one of the most important days of his life  as it was the day  the  Supreme Court  took a major  and critical decision courtesy of Justice Centus Nweze.   The apex court   upheld Dr Bukola  Saraki’s appeal and dismissed  that of the Federal Government   thus ending the  2 –year, 10-month court battle over alleged false declaration of assets. The senator who holds the prestigious title of the Turaki of Ilorin apart from serving as the governor of Kwara state for eight years also heads a four- decade old  political structure that has had its virility strengthened over the years. We learned that the Chairman, National Assembly staged a triumphal entry into the state today, precisely,  ten days after the court victory. Supporters of the Senate President  began to arrive the  Ilorin International Airport as early as 8.00am  and they swelled in numbers by  the minute, those who could not gain access into the airport loitered   the  adjourning surroundings  to await his arrival.  Motorists and other road users had a hectic time on the Ilorin-Ogbomosho  expressway as Saraki’s supporters lined both sides of the road with vehicles stretching for about five kilometers. Although Saraki  didn’t arrive until about 4.17pm, the supporters kept themselves alive with dance and music from various live bands. Among the groups visible at the airport were the G20 and the Toyin Harmony Sisters Forum.  House Leader, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, members of the state executive council, other top government functionaries, gubernatorial aspirant, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki and others  were also at the airport to join  members of the political structure  in giving the senator a rousing welcome. The Conference of Local Government Speakers led by its Chairman, Comrade Habib Olalere Qadri were also there .  An octogenarian Alhaja Ayoka Akaje  who was among the supporters that waited for hours at the airport  told Beth News reporter that she will forever remain loyal to the dynasty , she also added that she heads the Sarakigbemi club.  

The atmosphere  got charged as soon as the aircraft conveying the Senate President   touched the ground , the first set of people  to disembark from the aircraft were the Speaker of the state house of assembly,  Dr.  Ali Ahmad,  Senator Rafiu Ibrahim,  Rep   Razak Atunwa, Mallam Nasir Zubair, his media aide Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu and a special guest; the former presidential spokesman,  Dr.  Doyin  Okupe.    Saraki who was cornered by  newsmen at the airport  described his three-year trial as tough but however  expressed satisfaction that his followers never doubted his innocence having asserted that several times, he  however refused to comment  on  steps he would take regarding the recent request  by some among his followers that he should  lead them out of the ruling party, the APC.  ‘As I said, don’t worry, don’t push me,   I will call at the appropriate  time and I will  tell Nigerians’ he quipped. The Senator, who expressed appreciation to supporters, royal fathers , religious leaders and other stakeholders in the state also lauded them for being unwavering in their loyalty and support.  ‘It has been a long journey  for  me and my  people in the state, and today we thank the Almighty God for the court victory. I want to thank all of them who did not at any time waver. They believe in my innocence and supported me throughout the three very tough years and it was a great feeling for all of us.  

This  is my first homecoming to thank them all for  the support they have given me and the victory and for the fact that the truth eventually  prevailed and that  justice was done’ he said.  When asked  if he could reveal his political plans  ahead of the 2019 general elections , Saraki  submitted that such would be a digression from the purpose of the visit .  ‘Today is a day for me to visit and more importantly to  thank the people for the support they have given for years. As I always say,  time will come for everything,  a time will come that I will tell the people where I am,  what Iam here to do  for now is just  to thank the people of the state because the last three years have been  tough and they  still remain  committed and I have to appreciate that.  I appreciate that’ he stated. 

The Senate President  who was swamped by  supporters  right from the tarmac area later   managed to find his way to  his car , the security agents also helped in  clearing the way  for the car to go forward with some speed but the  free movement  only  ended at the gate of the airport as his car was surrounded by people singing and chanting , the crowd became thicker and the destination was Oja-Oba. The Senate President had  headed straight the Emir’s palace in Oja-Oba  to seek royal blessings from Mai Martaba, the Emir of Ilorin, His Eminence , Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari  but his car could scarcely move , the rate at which it was allowed to go was exasperatingly slow and the convoy inched its way to the palace, as his motorcade made its way through the streets of Ilorin, the state capital ,Saraki  stood through the open roof of his  car and waved  to supporters.

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