The immediate past President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki will be 60 tommorow Monday 19th December,2022. As well wishers and supporters of the former Kwara state governor, we are joining his lovely family to appreciate God Almighty for the grace of leadership bestowed on him to have served Kwara State and Nigeria meritoriously in the capacities he did.
Born in 1962 to the legendary political family of the late Abubakar Saraki, the second republic Senate leader, Bukola attended the Kings College, Lagos, and Chelttenham College, London and later trained as a medical doctor at the London Hospital Medical College, London, where he obtained the M.B.B.S degree in 1987.
In the year 2000 he was appointed Special Assistant on Budget Matters by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo where he initiated the Fiscal Responsibility Bill and served on the Economic Policy Coordination Committee, and together with others, responsible for the formulation and implementation of several key economic policies for Nigeria.He was elected Governor of Kwara State in 2003, and served for two terms of eight years, transforming the state in many areas such as agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, education, health,etc. He was also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s forum,NGF.
Seing his capacity for unity, the national leadership of the PDP appointed him the Chairman of National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee (NRSC) to resolve intraparty conflicts among stakeholders across the states. This he did soundly by traversing the entire country to unite members of the leading opposition party and refocus the party. His efforts achieved a lot as many states who were enmeshed in crisis came out stronger and more united.
When he came out to contest the 2023 primary elections, many of us who worked with him as legislators of the 8th national assembly rallied round him because of the leadership qualities he manifested as Senate President. Together with Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara as Speaker,they set and recorded a very high standard for effective legislative administration management in the history of the country.
Those of us who stood behind Saraki believed in his capacity and ability to change the narratives of this nation following his excellent performances as a private sector professional, then as governor of Kwara State and finally as one of the best Senate Presidents this country has produced.
We set out under the chairmanship of Prof Hagher Iyorwuese with many eminent Nigerian leaders and toured the entire nooks and crannies of the country wooing support for him. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Saraki reeled out the vibrant plans he has for the nation with practical evidence of experience at his disposal to do all that he has promised to do if elected President of Nigeria.
Saraki demonstrated adequate courage, confidence,knowledge and understanding of the governance view of this nation and the international components of the requirements of what it takes to bring about the desired change needed for our nation. He sold himself to the admiration and reception of Nigerians.But everyone knows that only God decides what finally comes to be. At the end, former VP Atiku Abubakar clinched the ticket. Of course, we felt the pains of defeat for our principal, but as people who love this country and believe in God, we accepted it in good faith.
He put behind him all that had happened and urge everyone to support Atiku so as to move this nation forward. He did not blink an eye to give the directive to his campaign council to start working for Atiku in our various states. What a great politician indeed!
According to him,” I believe in this country and cannot wait to see things change for the better. I set out for the Presidency because of the way things have degenerated. We did our best in every assignment given to us by God and that has always encouraged us to do more to put smiles on the faces of our people and add value to governance. We were all concerned about the future of this great country that’s why we all set out with you for this journey. We traversed the entire country with our message of fixing Nigeria and we were glad what we did. I thank you sincerely for your valuable contributions to the struggle. God in His wisdom said this is not our time and therefore we must give our full support to our big brother the former Vice President to carry us to the promised land. I love this country so much and would support him to achieve that. He(Atiku ) has asked me to work very closely with him and together we shall do so. I want all of you to join us in this task of reforming and transforming our nation. We cannot continue this present way, but must change the narratives for the better. You know me as a fighter for what is good and must join hands to fight for the rescue and survival of our dear nation Nigeria. My house is your house and you are welcome anytime as usual. God almighty bless you abundantly”.
Saraki’s valedictory speech to his campaign council was so touchy that it became another point of debate and discussion among the members of the elsewhile council.
Saraki is married to Mrs. Toyin Ojora–Saraki, a lawyer and together they have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.
We wish our leader and his entire family, a happy birthday celebration and many more happy years of blessings in good health,long life and prosperity.
