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Tag: Bukola Saraki

  • Saraki wins Africa Democracy awards in Kenya

    Saraki wins Africa Democracy awards in Kenya

    • Ex-Senate President dedicates honour to Odinga

    Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has been conferred with the Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award.

    The award was given to him in recognition of his “long-standing record as a champion of democracy and good governance in Africa”.

    It was presented in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, at a ceremony organised by the African Democratic Union (ADU) and attended by leaders of Centre-Right political parties across the continent, policy makers, business leaders, academics, parliamentarians, and international development partners to exchange ideas on how to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

    A former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo, after whom the award was named, presented it to Saraki.

    He said the award represented a challenge for the recipient to continue his steadfastness in improving the democratic process on the continent and ensuring it leads to improved standard of living for the people.

    “I am deeply humbled by the honour you have done me, in naming the Africa Democracy Award after me. I accept this not as a personal accolade but as a reminder of my duty to uphold the constitutional order, defend free expression, ensure the impartiality of our courts, and safeguard the ballot as the sole source of legitimate political authority.

    “To the award recipients, who will be recognised today, know this: the Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award is only a signpost. The road is the daily work of building institutions that outlast leaders. Wear the award lightly – your real validation is the verdict of citizens. Choose courage over convenience, refuse shortcuts that corrode institutions. Use democracy to deliver schools that teach, clinics that heal, roads that connect, jobs that dignify, because when services fail, democracy’s credibility suffers.

    “Build successors, not echo chambers, because renewal is a democratic virtue. Guard truth in this information age, because disinformation fractures nations.

    “I congratulate you and wish you well in your endeavours to build the best Africa we can get. In closing, remember how our earlier DUA conversations began: with a call to cooperate across borders and parties to advance democracy and enterprise. That call still stands. Let us leave Nairobi with fewer promises and more plans, fewer declarations and more deals, fewer excuses and more execution”, he stated.

    In his acceptance speech, Saraki expressed appreciation to the ADU, led by Ms. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, for considering him for the awards among many other Africans who featured on the selection list.

    He dedicated the award to Kenyan politician and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who passed away some days before the award on October 15.

    The former Nigerian Senate President described Odinga as an African patriot, recalling how, during his travails under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the Kenyan leader mediated and sought to achieve reconciliation between him and the former President.

    At the ADU forum, Saraki delivered the keynote address with the theme: “Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships.”

    The ex-Senate President discussed how Africans could dismantle the pillars of dependency and improve the standard of living of their people.

    Read Also: Alleged forgery: Anyanwu signed letter before Govs, Saraki, Aliyu, others – PDP

    Many of the parliamentarians at the award presentation congratulated Saraki on the award.

    They described the honour as a befitting recognition for his boldness, courage, and commitment, which he demonstrated by speaking truth to power.

    Commenting on the award to Saraki, the national chairman of the NGC Party in Serra Leone, Jesmed F. Suma, said: “Dr. Saraki’s insightful remarks on the need for a paradigm shift in governance and economic systems across the continent deeply resonated with me. They mirror the core principles that drive my vision and work toward building sustainable pathways to economic growth and prosperity.”

    Saraki’s dedication of the award to Odinga and his well-articulated speech were well received by the Kenyan media and across East Africa.

    Other awardees from across Africa include Alonso Marceta Dhlakama, Rose Waruhiu, the late Kenyan President Arap Moi, whose plaque was received by his son, Gideon Moi; Lutero Chimbirombiro Simango, Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifeefe, and Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu.

  • PDP capable of good governance, says Saraki

    PDP capable of good governance, says Saraki

    A former Senate President Bukola Saraki has said the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a credible alternative capable of rendering good governance in Kwara and other states of the federation.

    The former Kwara State governor congratulated the PDP for the peaceful and successful conduct of its local government congresses across the 16 local government areas of the state.

    A statement by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said Saraki noted that the outcome of the congresses had once again demonstrated the PDP’s unwavering commitment to inclusiveness, fairness, and internal democracy. Saraki, who is also the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, lauded the maturity, unity, and sense of responsibility displayed by the delegates, the stakeholders, the aspirants, and party members during the exercise.

    He added that the peaceful nature of the process reflects the resilience of the PDP family and its readiness to offer purposeful leadership at all levels of government.

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    Saraki also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the media for their presence and professionalism. The former Senate President said these ensured that the exercise was transparent, orderly, and credible.

    According to him, the new local government executives need to see their election as a call to service and an opportunity to strengthen the party at the grassroots.

    Saraki urged them to work collectively with other stakeholders to deepen the PDP’s reach, mobilise the people, and reinforce the values of accountability and inclusiveness.

    The former Senate President stressed that the successful conduct of the congresses in Kwara State was not just a victory for the PDP in the state but also a pointer to the growing confidence of Nigerians in the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

     “The PDP has once again shown that it is the party that provides a level-playing field and prioritises the will of the people. The maturity displayed in the Kwara State congresses is a reflection of the national character of our great party. I am confident that with this renewed energy and unity, the PDP will reclaim its rightful place in providing quality leadership for Kwara State,” Saraki said.

  • Saraki to Nigerians in Diaspora: join elective politics

    Saraki to Nigerians in Diaspora: join elective politics

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to vie for elective offices.

    Saraki noted that with their level of education and exposure, they are poised to make a difference and contribute to national development.

    He blamed the country’s problems on the refusal of the electorate to vote for the best candidates who have the capacity to introduce policies and programmes that could propel the nation to greater heights.

    The erstwhile Senate President said instead, people who have no clear-cut plans but are only interested in occupying offices to become “big men” often get to power.

    Saraki said this in an address titled: “Empowering the future from legacy to infinity,” he delivered at this year’s reunion gala celebration of Kings College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) of North America in Houston, Texas, the United States of America.

    The former Senate President stressed that many people elected into key offices run the government on their whims and caprices or, at best, rely on proposals from those he called “government scammers” that patronise every government in power.

    Read Also: Saraki heads  7-member PDP reconciliation committee

    He advised Nigerians in the Diaspora to refrain from keeping quiet in the face of poor governance.

    According to him, there is a need for Nigerians in the Diaspora to play key roles at the various levels of governance.

    “Nigerians in diaspora, like you, constitute a very influential and respected constituency back home in Nigeria. Your opinions count.

    “We must strive at all times to make people in leadership accountable, ensure honest enforcement of the law, make people bear the consequences of their actions and inactions, institute an electoral reform so that leadership selection process is free, fair, transparent and peaceful, entrench unity of purpose, rebuild our infrastructure, and create opportunities for people to realise their positive goals, while also plugging the loopholes for waste of state resources,” he said.

  • Southsouth monarch faults Saraki’s call on Akpabio to stand down

    Southsouth monarch faults Saraki’s call on Akpabio to stand down

    A leading traditional ruler in the Southsouth has criticized Senator Bukola Saraki for asking Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down for an investigation into allegation of sexual harassment level against him.

    “I disappointed by the comments of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who has taken a hardline stance against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the unproven allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Saraki’s ally, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV said.

    King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV who is the traditional ruler of  Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom spoe yesterday through a statement.

    Dakolo said Saraki’s stance appeared malicious because the former Senate president was once a victim of a criminal allegation by some suspected robbers. He noted that he did not stand down pending investigation in spite of calls for him to do so.    

     He said: “Nigerians would recall that in June of 2018, some armed robbers were arrested after they had robbed a series of banks in Offa, Kwara State. Upon interrogation, they named the then Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, as one of their sponsors.

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     “This prompted the Nigerian Police Force to invite him to answer allegations indicting him by confessions of five gang leaders arrested for active participation in the Offa bank robbery and killings of 33 innocent persons.

     “Dr. Saraki denied that allegation, but the suspects maintained their stand. Yet, Dr. Saraki did not resign because of the allegation.

     “Those robbers were eventually convicted. But despite that, he served his term as Senate president until he lost a reelection bid in Kwara State.

     “So, why is the sauce for Saraki now not for Akpabio?”

     The monarch said the Southsouth had given so much to Nigeria over the years, adding that he hoped that Nigeria and Nigerians would provide justice and respect for the region that had shown total commitment to the country by treating its son with the respect he deserved.

  • Saraki congratulates beneficiaries of foundation’s tertiary scholarships

    Saraki congratulates beneficiaries of foundation’s tertiary scholarships

    Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has congratulated 71 students in four tertiary institutions in Kwara State who benefitted from the annual scholarship programme of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABSF) for the 2024/2025 academic session.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Saraki expressed happiness that the foundation’s manager completed the process of selecting the beneficiaries on time and released the school fees directly to the four tertiary institutions whose students benefitted from the second phase of the scholarship programme for the 2023/2024 academic session.

    The 71 students were selected from Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa (14 beneficiaries), Kwara State College of Education, Oro (six students), Kwara State School of Nursing Sciences, Oke Ode (31 students), and Federal Polytechnic, Offa, (20 students).

    “I am happy that the selection process was verifiable as the chairman, a senior university lecturer, explained to me at the weekend.

    “The process of paying the school fees directly to the bank accounts of the institutions attended by beneficiaries would also help to achieve and promote accountability, transparency, and promptness in the execution of the scholarship scheme,” Saraki said.

    The former Senate President hailed members of the Education Committee of the ABS Foundation for improving the scholarship process after the maiden edition, which was implemented at the Kamaldeen University, Ilorin, in 2023.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns Otudeko, Ex-First Bank MD Onasanya Monday over alleged N12.3bn fraud

    In the first edition, 100 students of the new institution were granted four and five-year scholarships with N200 million immediately released to the institution.

    A statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office said the ex-Senate President expressed happiness that the new beneficiaries were selected from institutions in Kwara South.

    According to him, the exercise fulfilled his promise that after the award of scholarship to students of Kamaldeen University in Ilorin, many of whom are from Kwara Central, other zones in Kwara State will also benefit from the award.

    Saraki stressed that as the scholarships had been awarded successfully in Kwara South, he had directed the ABSF Committee on Education to begin the process of awarding scholarships to students of higher institutions in Kwara North.

    After this, the former Senate President said, the opportunity would be extended to institutions in the North Central Zone of the country and two nearby states to the zone.

  • LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    LG polls: Saraki cannot speak for Kwara masses, says govt

    Kwara State Government has faulted the  comments of former Senate President Bukola Saraki on the outcome of the recent local government elections. 

    The government said Saraki’s PDP not only tried to frustrate the conduct of the election through the court but also mobilised to disrupt the process.  

    “It took the popular will of the people to cast their ballot. The government has done well enough to win the trust of the people, and that was what played out, regardless of the noise from Saraki’s men. 

    “It is bewildering that Saraki’s party is confused between floating the narrative that no election took place and claiming a victory from an election it said was never held. 

    “That is the lot of a confused, desperate people that Senator Saraki leads,” a statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Communications Mrs Bola Olukoju stated. 

    “We also find it incredible that Senator Bukola Saraki was talking about people’s welfare. As far as people’s welfare is concerned, Saraki lacks the moral standing to talk. 

    Read Also: Saraki faults Tambuwal’s claim on withdrawal for Atiku

    “He is a bald hairdresser recommending his unfailing hair restorer. He is a snail claiming a championship in a community of horned animals. The world is facing serious economic challenges. Nigerians have not been immune to the same.

    “In addition to the efforts of President Tinubu to ease things, not only is the Kwara State Government committed to public welfare, as is evident in its many programmes, it continues to execute different infrastructural projects and social protection programmes that strengthen the purchasing powers of the people. 

    “The government is also not denying people their wages while its appointees enjoy the perks of office as the Saraki-inspired government did.”

  • Frills, thrills as Saraki buries mum

    Frills, thrills as Saraki buries mum

    Former President of the Eighth Senate and former Governor of Kwara Abubakar Bukola Saraki has, once again, shown that despite being out of the political space for over five years, his influence still cuts across party lines.

    This was seen at funeral of his mother, Madam Florence Saraki, who died at 92. Since the announcement of his mother passing on, Saraki’s home in Ikoyi, top dignitaries kept trooping there in large numbers to commiserate with the family and also show support for the Saraki family until she was buried last Saturday.

    The Saraki home became a Mecca of sorts for top political gladiators across party lines and also top businessmen and socialites who came to sign the condolence register and bid Mama Saraki farewell.

    Read Also: Believe in yourselves, First Lady urges youths

    The burial ceremony of Mama Saraki was held last week and it kicked off with a service of songs at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites where governors and government functionaries gathered to bid the Saraki matriarch farewell.

    At the funeral service on July 19 at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, it was a large gathering that attracted governors, senators, House of Representatives members, and captains of industries.

    After the remains of the deceased were lowered to Mother Earth at a private interment, guests converged at the Eko Convention Centre where the Sarakis treated them to a touch of royal opulence.

    There was an endless supply of quality local and continental dishes and high-cost drinks.

  • Bukola Saraki and late mum

    Bukola Saraki and late mum

    Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki is very close to his late mother, Chief Mrs Florence Morenike Saraki.

    The reason is not just because she was her mother but because she had trained him in the ways of God despite being a Christian.

    His relationship with his late mother is said to be second to none as he adored and doted on her affectionately.

    Until her death, Saraki’s relationship with his mother remained a source of inspiration for many who don’t have a good relationship with their mothers.

    Read Also: Let’s work to build cleaner, transparent, accountable democracy – Saraki

    Though sad and broken after the incident, the trained medical doctor has continued to receive dignitaries, friends and associates at his home. Condolence visits and messages have continued to pour in for Saraki and his siblings after the sad occurrence.

    Saraki who celebrated the Sallah holiday in Kwara State upon his return from the United Kingdom, where he had wrapped up the Reimagining Leadership Executive Education Programme at the Oxford’s Said Business School, lost his mother barely three days after the global celebration.

    During the course, Saraki had hobnobbed and exchanged ideas with an incredibly diverse group of leaders from across the globe while forging new friendships.

  • Bukola Saraki foundation clears medical bills of ailing Mr. Ibu

    Bukola Saraki foundation clears medical bills of ailing Mr. Ibu

    Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has sorted the medical bills for ailing Nollywood actor, John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu.

    This good deed was carried out through his  ‘Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation’.

    Mr. Ibu on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to come to his aid, noting that he does not want his legs to be cut off, following an undisclosed ailment that has befallen him.

    Reacting to his appeal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, on Friday came to his rescue and settled all his medical bills.

    Disclosing this on Twitter now X platform, the foundation said: “The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu, a renowned comedic icon who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades.

    Read Also: Shehu Sani pledges support for Mr. Ibu

    “When we learned of his recent health challenges and the financial burdens associated with his medical treatment, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to assist in any way we could. We promptly paid off his entire medical expenses as of Wednesday.

    “We encourage everyone who can to come forward and assist in any capacity, whether it’s through financial contributions, moral support, or prayers. “We wish him a swift and complete recovery.”

    Nigeria music stars-cum-celebrities, Davido, P-Square and Tunde Ednut had promised to take care of Mr Ibu’s medical expenses.

  • EFCC accuses judge of favouring Saraki, Okorocha

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja of exhibiting bias in favour of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorcha, in his handling of the cases they filed.

    The allegation is contained in two fresh motions the EFCC filed before the court, demanding the withdrawal of Justice Taiwo from the two fundamental rights enforcement cases filed by Saraki and Okocha.

    The EFCC said although it did not hope to always win its cases before the judge, the trend of Justice Taiwo’s orders in cases where it was conducting corruption/financial crimes investigations, made it difficult for it (the EFCC) to believe in the judge’s impartiality.

    The commission resorted to filing the fresh motion following the refusal by the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Adamu Kafarati to transfer the cases from Justice Taiwo’s court, as requested by the EFCC in a petition it earlier wrote against the judge.

    The grounds, on which the EFCC based its fresh motions, include that:  “His Lordship while sitting in Ekiti Judicial Division of the Federal High Court had in two previous cases involving former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Attorney-General of Ekiti State and officials of Ekiti State Government given orders/decisions wherein the 4th respondent/applicant’s statutory powers to investigate economic and financial crimes were curtailed and gagged contrary to the established principles by superior courts.

    “One is suit number, FHC/AD/CS/32/2016 between A.G. Of Ekiti State vs. EFCC and 17 Ors, while the other has been upturned by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/EK/8C/2017 between EFCC V. Mr. Ayodele Fayose & Anor.

    “The 4th respondent/applicant does not expect to always win its cases before this honourable court, but the trend of decisions/orders being made against it by my lord in cases where it is conducting corruption/financial crimes investigations. has made it difficult for it to believe in my lord’s impartiality.

    “The 4th respondent/applicant had petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court seeking that this matter be re-assigned from my Lord’s court to another court, and the Chief Judge advised that a formal motion be filed to that effect.”

    It faulted the ex parte orders parte directing the respondents in the case, including the EFCC,”to stay all action in connection with the subject matter of this suit, to stay all action in connection with the subject matter of pending the determination of this suit”.

    Read Also: No going back on Oyo EFCC, says Makinde

    The commission said the orders had an indefinite life span “since no one can state when the main case can be determined.”

    It added that the orders were in the nature of interlocutory injunction “which ordinarily requires the aderse party to be put on notice”

    The EFCC stated:  “Without considering the merit in the application vis a vis the venue of the alleged violation of the fundamental rights, the court made an interlocutory order without hearing from the respondents applicant.

    “It is well established legal principle that no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the 4th respondent or any agency established under the laws to investigate crimes.”

    The commission argued that the orders issued by the court on May 9 and May 14, 2019 restrained it from performing its statutory duty.

    Other respondents in both cases the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    The EFCC had, in its earlier petition to Justice Kafarati, May 21, 2019, accused Justice Taiwo of being bias against it.

    In the petition, signed by the EFCC’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, the commission equally complained about the ex parte orders made by Justice Taiwo on May 9 and 14, restraining the commission from continuing its investigations of certain corruption allegations against Saraki, and Okorocha.

    It requested in the petition the re-assignment of the two men’s cases and all other ones involving it in the judge’s docket to another judge of the court.

    It also recalled in the petition how the judge, out of alleged bias while sitting in the Ado-Ekiti Division of the court, gave rulings in favour of a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.

    In their separate responses, Okorocha and Saraki urged Justice Kafarati to ignore the request by the EFCC, arguing that it was baseless.

    Saraki and Okorocha also contended that the orders made in their favour by the judge were justified owing to the circumstances of alleged harassment by the commission leading to their decision to file the cases in which the judge issued the restraining orders.

    When the cases came up on Thursday, Justice Taiwo drew parties’ attention to the fresh motions by the EFCC,to which lawyers to Saraki and Okorocha sought time to respond to.

    The judge consequently adjourned both cases till September 27, 2019 for the hearing of the motions.