The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • Eid prayer: Eight arrested over attack on Saraki, others

    Eid prayer: Eight arrested over attack on Saraki, others

    The Kwara state police command has arrested eight people in connection with the attack on Senate President Bukola Saraki and other personalities at the Ilorin Yidi praying ground on Thursday.
    The command spokesperson, Ajayi Okasanmi disclosed this to reporters in Ilorin, adding that the people arrested were miscreants.
    Mr. Okasanmi said there was no record of any civil servant or government official among those arrested.
    Said he: “The state police command deployed no fewer than 2000 policemen in synergy with other security agencies to make sure that the eid- el – Kabir celebration is a huge success. It was free in the course of prayers and there was the insurgence of criminals which we put into consideration while planning our security strategy. We know they normally come to beg for money from well to do members of the public.
    “So they came as usual, but we noticed they were becoming unruly and we have to come out to prevent them from where the VIPs were seated. We then chased them away and we arrested about eight of them. They are in our custody and we have started investigation.
    “We learnt that one or two persons were injured; but there has not been any official reports as to if any was injured in the course of arresting. The motive of their unruly behavior is yet to be determined. As far as we are concerned the people arrested are miscreants.
    “From the stories we are hearing one or two vehicles have been damaged but we have not seen the vehicles. We also heard that one person was injured but we have not seen the person.
    “The prayers went as planned and the dignitaries that came back to their various destinations without any hitch. Among the people arrested there was no record of civil or government functionary; the eight arrested are miscreants.”

  • Boko Haram: Ekweremadu to lead Senators to Adamawa

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, will today lead some Senators to Adamawa State as part of Senate’s move to obtain first hand information on the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.

    The visit will also take the lawmakers to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.

    This is sequel to the resolution of the upper chamber on the need to establish a Presidential Intervention Committee for the rehabilitation of the North East.

    The motion was sponsored by Senators George Thompson Sekibo (River East) and 35 others on the urgent need to establish a Presidential Intervention Committee for the rehabilitation of the North East zone being ravaged by the insurgents.

    Apart from Ekweremadu, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki also listed other Senators on the trip to include Senators Ahmed Lawan, (Yobe North) Murtala Nyako, (Adamawa Central) Binta Garba, (Adamawa North), Ahmadu Abubakar, (Adamawa South) George Sekibo, (Rivers East), Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) and Bashir Marafa (Taraba State).

    Saraki had on Monday led some Senators on the spot assessment of the security situation in Borno State.

    He also visited IDP camps where he made a cash donation of N10million in support of the upkeep of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    [news_box style=”1″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”IDPs, Ekweremadu” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link” header_background=”#2c5e5e” header_text_color=”#ffffff”]

  • Our mission in Maiduguri – Saraki


    Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Monday promised that the Nigerian senate will do anything required to restore normalcy to North eastern Nigeria. The senate president made the statement today during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno state in order to assess the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgents. Saraki, who posted about the journey on his twitter handle noted that the mission of the visit is to restore hope to the people, lament the situation of things in the state due to activities of Boko Haram insurgents. "The mission of our visit to NE is simple, to give hope and to let the people of NE know that the Nigerian Senate will not abandon them. "I urge everyone to continue to pray for peace to be restored while also trying to constructively and carefully engage those behind the atrocities. "I will make it a point to include it as part of the places we will inspect. Heard it holds over 18000 IDP's. "As individuals representing various districts and Senate as an institution, we promise to do anything required of us to restore normalcy to NE. "8th Senate will also continue to suggest ideas through motions and resolutions that can help the country put this problem behind us "There are no quick fix solutions to the problem of insurgency, we will continue to encourage all efforts, military and otherwise. "We cannot in good conscience talk to the people affected by this menace from Abuja. We are here to listen and hopefully get ideas of solutions. He noted that members of the 8th senate will stand together with President Buhari, "whose singular devotion to ending these senseless killings gives us greater believe that we will win the war," he said. "We stand with our troops and this new Senate will do all within power of authorization & approvals to support by providing funding and oversight. "Our country Nigeria is going through one of its worst challenges in history; with security challenge has come also economic challenges, he added. Furthermore, he lamented that it is very emotional to see over 2600 children made orphan by Boko Haram at Dalori IDP camp. "We will leave no stone unturned to address this," he stressed. He also stated that the senate will pass legislations, look over appropriation to find funding for rehabilitation, provide resources and provide oversight.   [news_box style="2" display="tag" link_target="_blank" tag="Maiduguri" count="6" show_more="on" show_more_type="link" header_background="#444444" header_text_color="#61d60e"]

  • Mixed reactions trail Saraki’s claim on principal officers

    Mixed reactions trail Saraki’s claim on principal officers

    Mixed reactions on Friday greeted the claim by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, that his hands were tied over the appointments of principal officers for the 8th National Assembly held on Thursday.
    The Senate had adopted the elections of principal officers contrary to the directives of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
    “Whilst one is strongly persuaded to toe party line and act in accordance with the suggested party position, regrettably, clear provisions of our extant rules and parliamentary conventions have not given me that leeway to act otherwise.

    “Therefore, my hands are tired in the circumstances and I seek your understanding in this regards,” The Senate President said in a letter addressed to the chairman of APC.

    Some of the reactions include:

    Kayode Ogundamisi on Facebook said: “Senator Saraki’s antics are no longer funny”

  • Youths back Saraki for presidency

    Youths back Saraki for presidency

    A group, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS)-Bolaji Abdullahi Kwara South Movement, has urged Senator Bukola Saraki to contest next year’s presidential election.

    It said Saraki could bring about the desired change in Nigeria.

    Speaking with reporters in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area, the group’s Coordinator/Chairman, Oyerinde Sanje, said: “We remain committed and loyal members of the ABS family and we are waiting for our leader, Senator Saraki, to declare for the presidency of Nigeria come 2015, as his presidency will bring change to our nation.”

    The group urged former Minister of Youths and Sports Bolaji Abdullahi to contest the governorship election next year, saying: “We the people of Ibolo, Igbomina and Ekiti/Oke-Ero of Kwara South are proud of you and are ready to vote for you enmasse, if you are given the opportunity by our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2015 governorship election.”

  • ‘Nigeria should remain indivisible‘

    ‘Nigeria should remain indivisible‘

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday said it is imperative for Nigeria to remain indivisible.

    In a statement in Abuja on today’s Christmas celebration, the senator urged Nigerians to remain strong and optimistic, despite the plethora of challenges confronting the nation.

    He advised Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ by sharing with their neighbours at Christmas.

    Saraki said: “I rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and all over the world on this happy occasion of Christmas.

    “As we celebrate, it is imperative to reflect on the events that have defined us as people as it relates with the teachings of Christ – the reason for the season.

    “The spirit of the season must keep our optimism unshaken, we must remain one indivisible entity in spite of daunting challenges in Nigeria’s political and economic spheres.

    “I urge every Nigerian to remain very strong and optimistic, believing our bright days are here.

    “In this season of service and love, it is important to note that our love for Nigeria can only be experienced through love and service for our neighbours regardless of religion, ethnicity and social status.

    “Beyond this season, we should let its virtues be ingrained as our national culture.

    “As we celebrate, we should remember the sick, the elderly, our service men and women who stay awake and travel miles from their families to keep us safe and together as a nation, particularly those who died in the course of serving this great nation of ours.

    “I want to thank Nigerians for their strong faith in the dream and aspirations of our founding fathers, especially the good people of Kwara State and those of my constituency – Kwara Central Senatorial District – for their sheer resilience and contribution for the development of our nation.

    “Finally, it is my promise, as always, that the interests of our beautiful country and our talented people will always be my number one priority. This I will continue to champion with all my strength and every resource at my disposal.

    “On behalf of my family, I wish you all a peaceful Christmas in good health and a prosperous New Year in advance.”

  • Tackle youth unemployment, say Ahmed, Saraki

    Tackle youth unemployment, say Ahmed, Saraki

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki, yesterday urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on youth unemployment.

    Both vowed to, in the next four weeks, provide no less than 5,000 jobs.

    They said: “It is time the Federal Government declared a state of emergency on youth unemployment, just as we have declared a state of emergency on power and security.

    “We must find a lasting solution to this problem; it cannot be immediate, but we can start a process that will give the youth hope.”

    The duo spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at a technical summit for unemployed youths, organised by the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Constituency Office.

    The theme of the summit was “Youth unemployment in Kwara State: The way forward”.

    Ahmed said: “For us in Kwara State, the solution to this social challenge is two-pronged. First, we are creating a new crop of youth entrepreneurs through capacity building and access to affordable micro-credit funds on the platform of cooperatives.

    “Second, in line with Dr. Saraki’s vision for agro-led prosperity in Kwara State, we are assertively promoting youth involvement in agribusiness through targeted training, access to funding and mentorship.

    “I, therefore, call on youths to take up entrepreneurship by leveraging on the spaces created by government in the informal sector and in agribusiness.

    “To own a successful business is as lucrative as it is liberating. It frees you from the dangers of placing your ladder on someone else’s wall, thus making you the architect of your prosperity.”

    Saraki said: “Individuals cannot do it all, you must be ready to seize the opportunity, you must be committed and you must be serious and see it as a journey to success.

    “My hope and dream is that from our discussions, we will find a lasting solution that will provide jobs for over 5,000 people immediately. This will include both entrepreneurship schemes largely and regular white collar jobs.

    “The entrepreneurship schemes will provide take off grants. I will seek the governor’s partnership in coming up with a solution. My idea is we spend the next four weeks reviewing recommendations and putting together a roadmap.”

  • ABS relegation is a temporary set-back — GM

    ABS relegation is a temporary set-back — GM

    The unfortunate relegation of Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC from the Apex league in Nigeria, Glo premier league has been described as a temporary setback as the club is poised to stage a come back in earnest.

    General Manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka told reporters at the Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri Tuesday reroute Abuja that the relegation of the Ilorin side is unfortunate and sad, describing it as a slap to the system. Chukwuemeka, who also doubles as the secretary of the Club owners of Nigeria, said that for a real professional side like ABS that plays the best brand of football to be relegated cast a doubt on the system we operate, stressing that a lot need to be done in the system to accommodate private ownership and investment into the league.

    The former Yobe Desert Stars media chief urged the numerous fans and supporters of the club to remain faithful to the club in its determination to stage a big comeback to the premiership soonest.

    On the next line of action for the team he said the management and players have met and resolved to remain with the team in order to actualise a quick return, just as they await the owners of the club to give direction as to the future of the young team.

    According to him, “Sincerely speaking, the relegation of the club is very unfortunate and sad considering the personal efforts of our boss Senator Saraki at sustaining the team for three seasons at the top flight.

    “Yes, we were victims of a bad system as well as other environmental factors that don’t support private sector participation. But I am sure we will bounce back soonest.

    Presently the team is on break as we await further directives from the owner of the club on the next line of action,” he said.

  • ABS plan shock party for Heartland

    ABS plan shock party for Heartland

    Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) coach, Kabir Dogo has said emphatically that his side will not leave Owerri empty-handed.

    The llorin-based side are guests of the Federation Cup holders, Heartland in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri today.

    ABS split points in their last two matches against Sunshine Stars in Akure and Sharks in llorin to stay third spot from the rear on 13 points from a possible 36.

    Dogo said it is daunting to challenge Heartland in their abode in their best form but insisted that another point will not be a bad result to take back to llorin.

    “We prepare for victory in every game we play. It’s just unfortunate that things have not been working out the way we planned it. That’s still the mindset we’re going to approach the game at Heartland on Sunday. I’m confident we won’t leave Owerri empty-handed.

    “I’m certain the players will rise to the occasion and give Heartland their toughest game in the league. We’ll be contented with a point in the encounter even though an outright victory won’t be a bad idea to take back home to the good people of llorin,” the ABS gaffer said to supersport.com.

    Dogo refused to blame his wards for the Week 12 home draw against Sharks as well as same result against Sunshine Stars in Akure in Week 11 encounter.

    “Sharks are a big side in the domestic league, last season they defeated us home and away and over a period of time we’ve not been able to break the jinx of their dominance over us, so I consider the draw as a good result.

    “We’re human and suffered heavily from the tortuous road trip to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. The impact of that long journey affected our game at Sunshine Stars as well as the encounter against Sharks. I think both results were not truly bad though an outright win would have been lovely,” he said.