- The Kwara state chapter of SNIGERIA FIRST, has decried the campaign of calumny against the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki
- SNIGERIA FIRST, a Saraki support group, says there is vehement hostility against the former Kwara state governor
- The group lamented that Saraki has been a subject of myriads of persecutions, preposterous allegations and constant bashing
The Kwara state chapter of #SNIGERIA FIRST, a Saraki support group, says they are staunchly in support of Saraki in the face of the vehement hostility against him and the political imbroglio unfolding in the country.
Coordinator of the group, Damilola Damilare, in a statement titled: “Why We Support Saraki,” said it had become imperative to intimate Nigerians about the former governor of Kwara, “because since he emerged as the Senate president against the wish of some interest groups, he has been a subject of myriads of persecutions, preposterous allegations and constant bashing.”
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He however, noted that, “despite these challenges, Saraki continues to discharge his duties with a sense of purpose and efficiency.”
He maintained that no leader has shown a greater sense of emotional intelligence, empathy and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians like Saraki.
“Saraki’s keen sense of empathy, is one unique trait which sets him apart from other Nigerian leaders. This was exemplified by his empowerment of the neglected family of the late Nigerian football legend, Rasheed Yekini.
“And so many other countless gestures like how he paid a personal visit to the national assembly staff that was injured during the mace theft drama, or how he was one of the first sets of people to donate blood to victims of Nyanya bombing in Abuja, in 2014.
“Another significant one is how, in 2017, he supported Ali Ahmadu, a young boy from Borno, who could not walk because he was ran over by Boko Haram, and few months later, Ali had been operated abroad and could walk again,” he said.
Speaking on Saraki's performance as two-term governor of Kwara, Damilare said it was laughable for some people to insinuate that the Senate president had no achievement during his time as the state chief executive.
He pointed out that landmark achievements were recorded during Saraki's time as governor, despite receiving the lowest federal allocation during that period.
His words: “He initiated the first state owned university in Kwara. (Kwara State University, KWASU). Under him, Kwara became the first state to complete the Nigerian Integrated Power Project in Nigeria. (NIPP)
“Past administrations before Saraki built only 3 housing estates, Saraki built 10 and became the first governor to build housing estates across all the three senatorial districts.
“He built the first ever overhead bridge in Kwara and decongested the busiest area in the state capital.”
He added that Saraki initiated the clean and green program and bagged over 15 awards during his time as governor.
On the leadership qualities of Saraki in the 8th Senate, he said: “The 8th Senate have passed more bills than any previous Senate.”
He continued: “They have resolved more petitions than all past Senates combined, they broke the jinx on Petroleum Industry Bill, they supported and passed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill, they opened the NASS budget for public scrutiny, they amended the constitution, they made the national budgeting process transparent, they promoted Made-In-Nigeria and supported it with solid policies, they made reforms that touched every sector, they exposed corrupt practices in different parts of the system, and intervened on several issues that touches the masses directly.”
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Meanwhile, Saraki has condemned the ban on Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso's use of the Eagle Square for his presidential declaration.
The Senate president said the last minute cancellation by the federal government on the facility sent a wrong message about the tolerance level in Nigeria's politics.
In a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Wednesday, August 29, Saraki said the refusal to allow Kwankwaso use the venue sends a wrong message about Nigeria's democracy.
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Source: Naija.ng