TRIBUTE Late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki (1933-2012) By Alloy Chukwuemeka A lot have been said about the man, late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the great leader and strong man of Kwara politics. Aside being celebrated as the Second Republic Senate Leader, where he brought in excellence into the office and celebrated it as well, he was indeed a political gladiator of repute whose school of politics (Saraki School of Politics) earned him some names like Political Colossus, Political Land-Rover, Political Caterpillar, Political Calculator, Political Stabilizer and Astute Political Juggernaut. Aside these acronyms, his concern and care for the less privileged and the down trodden in the society led to his being referred to as the Father of the Fatherless, Women Empowerment Instrument Personified, Helper of the Helpless…to mention but a few. The late Waziri of Ilorin, who was better known and called Oloyee in the political mainstream of Kwara and Nigeria, was indeed a selfless man, having spent most of his wealth on people and societal needs in order to better the lives of the poor masses. The number of prominent Nigerians and indeed the massive turnout of the ordinary people at his burial clearly showcased the respect and recognition that the entire Nigerians have for this patriarch of our time. He was indeed an epitome of selflessness in terms of his care and concerns for his people of Kwara especially the poor women. With my over 2 decades stay in Ilorin, I can say without any atom of contradiction that virtually every family in Kwara state had benefitted from the generosity of Saraki, be it directly or indirectly, and this include non natives alike. From my own understanding, I can say the only thing that Saraki benefitted from his cares and support to people was that he was able to give his children sound education which earned the family three distinguished Senators, Governor as well as two learned members of the bar. And this was mentioned in one of the condolence messages where someone wrote that Saraki should be smiling in death because most people came for the burial not just to witness the ceremony, but because they have come to see another Saraki who takes over from Saraki (Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON). Another major lesson which one must learn from the Saraki School of Politics was that the late Saraki focused mainly on the poor masses and that was why his political authority was never shaken nor captured by the so- called minority opponents. Again, his style of politics and welfarism ensured that he was able to spread dividends of democracy and human capital development (education) to Kwarans, thereby empowering several people who today, constitute the mainstream of Kwara politics and general governance (both educated and non-educated ones alike). Saraki, was a man of peace who always preached peace and that is the testimony of the harmony and peaceful co-existence that is witnessed in Kwara today despite the different religion, tribal and cultural backgrounds that made up the state Kwara. Being a peaceful man, one always recalled in the heat of political struggle and campaigns, Saraki would always say Ema ba won ja meaning dont fight with anybody. More so, a closer assessment or inventory of Sarakis wealth in relation to his political and professional colleagues clearly showed that he really lived a selfless life, by distributing his wealth to the people. But today with what he had achieved by living a selfless life, one can categorically conclude that Saraki indeed lived a fulfilled life, better than those of his colleagues that amassed wealth around their family kinsmen. In fact, to many of us who were eye witnesses to his style of generosity, Saraki was an excellent philanthropist who spread his wealth indiscriminately like manure. I was there at the Ilorin International Airport when the remains of late Saraki was brought aboard an Over-land plane. I was also at the Yidi Praying ground where prayers were said for the repose of his soul. I was there again, at his Iloffa residence, GRA., where he was laid to rest and I was an eye witness at the Fidau Prayer at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square, and the way and manner people from all walks of life, cried and said prayers for the late political icon for his generosity and selflessness, although he might have had his shortcomings as a human being, but if God would answer the prayers of all these people, Saraki should be rewarded with Heaven. My candid opinion and suggestion therefore, is that those who are now graduates of Saraki School of Politics should immortalize him by borrowing from his style of selfless leadership and ensure that they take special care of the poor masses. Available reports said that the two Chambers of the National Assembly have passed a resolution to rename the lIorin International Airport after him. Kwara State House of Assembly has also passed a resolution naming Kwara State University after Saraki, to be known as ASSU. Above all, the death of Saraki should be used by the different political groups in Kwara to further cement their unity and come together to form a common front if not (Saraki Unity Party) so as to keep the peace and co-existence that earned Kwara State, the State of Harmony. Ilorin and indeed Kwarans are known for prayers, let all the religious leaders use the death of this patriarch to pray for his family, the state and indeed Nigeria, so that God will send us politicians like the late Olusola Saraki. Finally and above all, the greatest thing people o f Ilorin and Kwara as a whole can use to reward Olusola Saraki for all he has done for the state is to give solid and unquantifiable support to Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON) as the new leader of the Saraki dynasty and thus give him same supports given to his late father even as the new Leader of Kwara politics and governance. A.C.C Chukwuemeka is a resident of Ilorin.08033498329. accnet4life@gmail
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:54:10 +0000
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