Call on State Leaders to Emulate the late patriarch dominates
The state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, has expressed concern over the prevailing hardship in Kwara.
The opposition charged the state government to jettison politicking and find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
The party chairman spoke on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023, while addressing newsmen just after a special Islamic prayer held in memory of the late politician and philanthropist, Late Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
“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.
At the prayer session led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Soliu, alongside other Islamic clerics in the state, the people, in their large number, also called on both the federal and state governments to address current socio-economic hardship among Nigerians, especially residents of Kwara state, as done by the late Statesman.
Alhaji Ishola Balogun Fulani, a former Party Chairman in Kwara state, eulogized the late Saraki, describing him as a rare gem, whose deeds remain unparalleled.
Balogun-Fulani, who is also a former state House of Assembly member, said Kwara will 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.
He said, “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.
Also speaking, a former State Secretary of the PDP and former House of Assembly member, Hon Nimota Ibrahim, said the legacy the political colossus left behind will forever be remembered for good.
She 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.
Political associates of the late sage, past government officials and political office holders, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Kwara state, also attended the memorial prayer session.
