Bukola Saraki: A Force to Reckon With, By Adnan Mukhtar

Bukola Saraki: A Force to Reckon With, By Adnan Mukhtar

NEWS DIGEST – The President of the Senate Abubakar Bukola Saraki has no doubt proved to the world that he is a politician and a force to reckon with in Nigerian politics, the political happenings in Kwara State since he left office and his journey to the red chamber in 2011 before he emerged as the President of the 8th Senate in 2015.

I’m not familiar with his achievement as governor but his political moves and capacity is a testimony of a strong and brilliant politician Kwara state has produced.

We are aware that he took the steps of his father to become a Politician, his father who was once a Senate Leader in the second republic was considered as the strong man of Kwara politics, he was the political godfather of all past governors in the state.

Saraki was never a political science student or it’s equivalent, Saraki is a medical doctor by profession, his political calculations and actions tells one about an intellectual politician, sound, eloquent with exposure of leadership.

The emergence of Bukola Saraki was the first proof to many Nigerians that the Executive/ Legislature relation will never be a cordial one, the non interference of the President in electing the leadership of the red chamber was a damage to him politically.

Though, the President has allowed democracy to take its course, the way and manner Saraki is been treated by the Presidency(Executive) is another reason why the present government has little to show asachievement.

This is the worst Executive/Legislature relation since our return to democracy, budget would be hold for good six months and the President would not show a word of concern, not to even brought the leadership of the National Assembly close to him.

The Executive can never discharge it’s duties perfectly without the cooperation of the legislature, Nigeria that is practicing Presidential System of government must respect the principle of the rule of law and separation of power.

Every arm of government should be allowed to discharge its functions without interference. An attempt to breach the constitutional function of the National Assembly is an attempt to ridicule the principle of separation of power and the rule of law.

Saraki became the President of the Nigerian Senate against all odds, I was against Saraki as Senate President; the situation and the kind of President we have earned Saraki my own support this time.

Buhari would not have become the President of Nigeria without the likes of Saraki, I can vividly recall the time where Saraki, his political son and governor Abdulfatai Ahmed denied Rabiu Kwankwaso and members of his Presidential campaign team audience in Kwara State.

Saraki who was a Senator at that time informed Kwankwaso that they have settled for Buhari, Saraki was against the Muslim Muslim ticket that would have favored Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu to become the running mate of Buhari, it was done for the smooth success of Buhari to win in 2015.

Saraki’s fault was his refusal to allow Ahmed Lawan, APC’s anointed candidate for President of the Senate, he defeated Lawal with the support of PDP members. His emergence was the beginning of his ordeal.

The first time that a member of the opposition will become a principal officer in the red chamber, Sen. Ike Ekweramadu.

Despite all these, Saraki has the full control of the Senate with his capacity and exposure, the way and manner he is in full control will tell one about his leadership prowess.

Since they cannot remove him in the first place, they started by labeling some corruption allegations against him, they call him names, something that they never did before he became the Senate President against their wish.

If you want to be hunted by the anti graft agencies or the Police, criticize the President, the fight against corruption is a selective one, members of the opposition with cases to answer at EFCC are being treated softly after their return to APC. The Anti Corruption fight has become so much selective.

For Saraki, It was Code of Conduct Tribunal where he was discharged of all the charges against him by Justice Danladi Umar until when a fresh case was instituted before the same court, it was later on followed by his recent case with the police, Dino Melaye was persecuted because of his loyalty to Saraki, because of speaking the truth to power, no human is perfect, I’m not making Saraki a saint here but trying to bring out his good sides and his contribution in bringing the APC government to power.

Despite Saraki’s action of suspending his colleagues for speaking the truth against him, Saraki has never failed to comply with a court order which the President himself is guilty of. Take Zakzaky, Yunusa Dangwani and Sambo Dasuki as a case study, they were granted bail by different court of law but are still in detention by men of the DSS.

Saraki has complied with a court order to recall Ali Ndume from suspension, the same thing for the thug Senator who led the invasion of the National Assembly to steal a mace, Ovie Omo Agege.

Without the likes of Saraki and the new PDP members, Buhari would not have made it as President.

As 2019 is approaching with hope and prayer to witness it in good health, the new PDP members are threatening to defect from the APC in what they described as injustices meted against their members, they have met with the leadership of the party, with the Vice President, hoping to be meeting with Oga at the top PMB.

I hope the President will grant them audience, he will listen and considered their grievances, the new PDP members should be treated well, their massive defection will be bad for APC as a party, we are all aware of their roles in 2015.

The President should use every opportunity to settle with Saraki and the aggrieved political forces that brought him to power, to resolve all grievances for the betterment of this country, though it is coming late, joining hands in this few months will mean well for his re-election and Nigeria as a nation.

Meanwhile, My advice is for all members of the new PDP to defect from the APC if their demands will not be addressed.

Tudunwada is a Political Commentator, he can be reached via Adnanmukhtaradam@gmail.com