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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