Saraki’s supporters pray for late patriarchy

….call for philanthropic emulation

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin

The disciples of late Sen. Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki on Tuesday converged at the Ilofa residence of the politician and philanthropist to pray for him.

Late Saraki popularly known as ‘Baba Saraki’ was second republic senate leader and father of former senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki.

He died on 14th of November 2012 in Lagos at the age of 79.

The gathering comprised of party chieftains,past Commissioners, aides, ex- House of Assembly members, local government Chairpersons and party stalwarts among others.

The mentees took turn to speak on the late political dynasty leader in the state good gestures and as well prayed for the repose of his soul.

Speaking with journalists at a special Islamic prayer organized in memory of the late politician and philanthropist, former PDP State Secretary, Hon Nimota Ibrahim, disclosed that the legacy the political colossus left behind would forever be remembered for good.

Ibrahim, a former House of Assembly member, described the elder statesman as a father, philanthropist, exemplary leader, and political genius who should be studied by every student of politics.

“Today, We’re praying for our highly respected father, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, because of what he did while alive. He impacted meaningfully in so many people. I’m an example. Baba brought me up and did everything humanly possible to make me become one of the recognized politicians in Kwara state and Nigeria. May God continue to give Baba eternal rest.

“Baba Saraki is somebody that should be emulated. He lived for the survival of Nigeria and Kwara as regards politics,” she said.

Also speaking,the state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, expressed concern over the prevailing hardship in Kwara.

Mohammed charged the state government to jettison politicking and find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

“With the present hardship in every part of the community in the state, the state government should find a way to make sure they do everything legally possible to ameliorate the hardship.

“The governor in the state should stop politicking now but find a way to ensure everyone in the state is taken care of, irrespective of party affiliation because the hardship is becoming unbearable.

“I also call on all elected leaders in the state, be it state Assembly, House of Representatives or the Senate to empower constituents in their respective communities to reduce the hardship being felt,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Soliu, alongside other Islamic clerics in the state, the people, in their large number led the prayer.

He called on both the federal and state governments to address current socio-economic hardship among Nigerians, especially residents of Kwara state, as the late Statesman would always do.

Speaking in the same vein, Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani, a former PDP Chairman eulogized the late Saraki, describing him as a rare gem whose deeds remain unparalleled.

Balogun-Fulani said Kwara would always miss the generosity and humane gesture of the late Saraki.

He, however, expressed joy that his children succeeded in his good deeds and preserved the influence of the Saraki dynasty.

“I spent a good time with Baba and for close to 40 years, he was making several people happy with his philanthropic activities. He was always happy helping people.

“Even when not politicking, whenever there’s a sort of hardship, he comes home to assist in all the 16 local government areas of the state, just as the son, our leader is doing today, taking after his father”, said Balogun-Fulani.