By Abdul Abdul
Ooh la la! The enigmatic leader, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki is celebrating his diamond jubilee today. How else do we state that this calls for celebration? How do we put it in words? For several days, I’ve experienced what we call the writer’s block. Haven’t been able to conjure up words and put pen to paper. Personally, it’s an attestation that the subject surpasses my choice of words. Yes, you just can’t find the right words.
Imagine how many would really love to live such a celebrated life. People of my peers were just understanding politics well enough around the year 2002, when ABS emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara, a hard-fought political contest he eventually won. He went on to serve as governor of the State for incontestable eight years, during which time, Kwara witnessed a transformational phase.
Saraki was just 40 at the time, but his leadership was a fusion of wizardry and youthful vigour. An old head on young shoulders. Many marveled at the manner at which the son of the titan, Abubakar Olusola Saraki administered governance in kwara then. He then further pushed Kwara into limelight, breaking further into the national space as Chairman of the highly influential Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF. Again, they said he was too young to lead the cerebral team, but he did, with enviable finesse and maturity. The co-governors who chose him knew he knows his onions. I make bold to say that Saraki as NGF chair brought repute to the Governors’ bloc. He was such a fine leader; proficient and desired.
His leadership prowess, charisma, larger than life influence, astute decisiveness, pure selflessness, media savvy features, and will to carry others along in decision making stands him out. Isn’t it amazing that the man has been golden in words and deeds even before stepping into the golden era of his life.
The antagonism that Saraki stomachs is legendary, and that’s because, he understands it’s the aaaààà hallmark of greatness. Plato was more attacked and vilified. As typical of great men, the Waziri has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. An administration, long before it got into power mouthed the name Saraki. It got into power, three and a half years gone, and that government is still chewing the name till tomorrow. Unfortunately, arguments cannot be answered by personal abuse; there is no logic in slander, and falsehood, in the long run, defeats itself. None of the various lies peddled in his name has been proven. It’s obvious some people have no modicum of dignity in their bone marrow.
Nothing and I repeat, nothing can be compared to the accomplishment of Saraki especially in the interest of Kwara. His legacy lives on. It’s obviously as big shoe to wear. The bad news for detractors is that he is just starting. “Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us!”
The last election was not a defeat for Saraki. It was a validation of victory. It removed the doubts as to his commitment, selflessness and accomplishment. Only a handful would have known his value without the void kwara saw after he took a break. Many realized that he is specially loved with the grand welcome he receives everytime he comes to town. Now Saraki is back. He never left though, not a man who leaves his people. Even when out of town, he sneezes in wherever he is and they catch cold wherever they are. What a man of grace. The earlier they realize one can’t fight divine grace, the better.
Election is now around the corner. Our only opportunity to redeem ourselves and hand over the mantle of leadership to “the man wey sabi.” His leadership has produced the best of candidates, ranging from the Governorship position to the House of Assembly constituencies. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Saraki is made already. Whatever we do is in our interest as a people. We now know how prudent he was in government to utilize the state resources. We now know he wasn’t in anyway interested to fleece Kwara properties. We now know he has uncommon foresight to take kwara forward. We’ve seen how he has influentially won positions and benefits for Kwarans and Kwara. Why on earth will anyone antagonize such a rare blessing that God has bestowed on Kwara? It’s child’s play. Needless waste of time and resources, for a man who has escaped every snare of the Fowler.
Today isn’t for politics anyway. It’s a day to celebrate an enigma. Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the golden years are here. Step out in grand style. Thanks for being a shoulder to lean on. Cheers to the latest sexagenarian.
ABDULGANIYU ABDULQADIR writes from Ilorin. He is the Press Officer on Home Matters to HE Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.