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Saraki and His Unbeatable Records As Kwara Governor

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2018

Eric

By Bashir Akanbi

This publication is aimed at straightening things without ambiguities. A rational being would be personally worried seeing some rascals referring to white as red for Nigerians, all in the name of nailing their political opponents and antagonists of their satanic missions for Nigerians. However, it is always mind-bothering reading some mischievous commentators on social media claiming Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki achieved nothing as Kwara state Governor between 2003 and 2011. One would have decided to ignore or underplay such comments but there is need to engage their mischief because of the undiscerning readers.

After the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections which saw the triumphs of General Muhammadu Buhari elected as President of Nigeria and some Senators like Sen. (Dr.) Bukola Saraki elected as Senators of Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have been reading some concoctions of nonsense ignorantly packaged by some weak hearted people who have resorted to calumny of distorted facts, all aimed at tarnishing the good image and person of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS), who has been rendering selfless humanitarian services in the cause of fulfilling all his mandates. This he has displayed in several community development projects, both in cash and kind to the people of his state (Kwara) and the country at large through the several political/public offices he has held in the past and he is holding presently.

Verily, the 2013 politically progressive movement of G7 (New PDP) into APC that was seen as a welcome move by everyone who genuinely likes and wants the best for Nigeria, was seen by the conservative retarders as threat to their hood winking. Anyway, one needs more than four walled schooling to be well schooled in the Fine Arts, Science and Schematics of a developing environment as ours, and prepare today for the future as we see in the progressive steps of Sen. Bukola Saraki. The hundred percent acceptance of his leadership by Kwarans as he delivered all elective positions hundred percent to APC and the success of APC in the presidential election has answered the visionless minds who still wanted Nigeria to continue under the cruel government of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ), simply because they were ingesting the national largesse or optimistic to be its beneficiaries if GEJ won. Some of them even believed “Federal might” works but Senator Saraki consistently told us such powers are impotent at the height of current political revolutions.

Today, some of his boys who served under him as Commissioners, SAs etc but stayed and got capsized with the PDP ship are now spreading their freehold trust in the vision and qualitative leadership of their ex-boss.

Meanwhile, many of them boasted and bragged of their party’s victory in the 2015 poll but God who is not hypocritical in his ordainments vindicated Saraki’s political dynasty under the leadership of Sen. Saraki. This is simply because it was this same dynastic that nurtured politically, all of them including their gubernatorial aspirant, Sen. Simeon Ajibola who was nominated and pivoted by Sen. Bukola Saraki in 2011 amidst some controversies which surrounded his candidature. Now all of them have not only gone into extinction, they have untimely reached the terminus of their political careers.

Shouldn’t we commend Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for giving Kwara new developmental direction as below?

– Has Kwara State University (KWASU) he established not become the pride of Kwarans, home and abroad, not to talk of the host community, Malete? The University all the past Governors (military or democratically elected) could not establish for one of the firstly created states like Kwara.

– Is Ilorin International Aviation School not a source of knowledge cum employment for Kwarans and others? Of course it adds to the IGR of Kwara state.

– The rehabilitation of Ilorin Airport to international standard and construction of Ilorin Cargo Terminal is also worth commending him for.

– The Civic Centre on the Asa Dam axis, and even playing host to an international stars including Akon to open the edifice during Nigeria @50 celebration in 2010 as evidence of capability of the venue and scenery is for any kind of event? It leaked that the capacity and beauty of the Civic Centre made Jonathan and PDP to insist on scheduling their rented and imported crowd rally at the Metropolitan Square early 2014.

– Was it not ABS that sponsored the Community Health Insurance and Kwara Safe Maternity Service Act?

– As a Medical Doctor, he established Kwara Advanced Ultramodern Diagnosis Centre which is one of the best in Africa rendering a world’s standard service at affordable cost. I am bold to tell the world that this centre is widely visited from all parts of Nigeria and neighboring countries.

– Was it not ABS who provided us with Ganmo Power Generation Plant, hundreds of ordinary power substations and some injection Substations and Water Works Construction?

– Was it not ABS that started and completed the Ilorin-Oshogbo Road, Baruten road, hundreds of road constructions and rehabilitations across all the 16 local governments of the state, particularly, Ilorin and other mega cities of the state?

– The road from Kwara Police Command A Division to Offa Garage and many other roads were made dual carriage roads and rehabilitated during his first tenure and that of Offa Garage was extended to Ganmo town at the tail end of his second tenure.

– These roads were not only tarred but decorated by beautiful medium kerbs, attractive flowers and street lights. Have we forgotten how Kwarans nicknamed him “The Road Builder”?

– Was it not the same ABS that sponsored the Kwara Child Rights Act?

– What about Every Child Counts programme and many children’s oriented policies he initiated through the office of the brilliant Commissioner for Education and Former Nigeria Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi which were even adopted by Federal Ministry of Education?

– Have we forgotten so soon the Voluntary Teaching Services by Bolaji Abdullahi in which thousands of Kwara graduates were engaged and given stipends monthly before more than ninety percent of them were absorbed into the state Civil Service, Teaching Service and SUBEB?

– What about the Kwara Clean and Green Programme which positioned Kwara as the cleanest State in the country during his first tenure?

– What about Kwara Stadium Modernisation, Expansion and Internationalization?

– What about the establishment of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) which was the talk of the world as Jose Morhino of Chelsea Football Club of England and many international soccer stars attended its foundation laying event?

– He established his own football team, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) which together with its twin team, Kwara United was always among the top clubs in the Nigeria Premier League. There is no gainsaying fact that Kwara sporting activities was at its peak during ABS’ tenure.

– This same ABS ensured the maintenance of peace, creating an enabling environment for growth and development, enabling haven for several private sector industrialists to promote socio-economic growth of the state.

– Have you ever bothered to inquire, what was the old Adewole before the current Adewole Estate, who vilified Late George Innih, who started the process then, why not appreciate the various estates (Mandate I, II and III, Harmony Estate, Irewolede Phase II, Mandate Estate Omun-Aran etc) initiated by ABS? Mandate Modern Market along Western Reservoir Road, Ilorin is also not left out.

– He facilitated the construction of Ilorin Ultramodern Central Mosque through his friends and associates as fund raisers in 2010.

– What about his many agricultural interests and youths’ training and retraining programmes on farming with startup kits and grants in Malete ADP and other parts of the state? These projected Kwara State and Dr. Bukola Saraki as the best in Agriculture. I hope we do not forget so soon that he was awarded several times by Federal Government and many agricultural NGOs as the best Nigerian Governor in Agriculture during his tenure.

– Shonga Farm Holdings as a model farm, owned by GTB, FCMB, UNITY, KEYSTONE & ACCESS Banks + Kwara State Government, without an individual owning a share in the model “individual farming” system. Do you even know that if you drink WAMPCO’s (PEAK, THREE CROWN milk) milk or Nutricima’s product, that you are drinking Shonga’s milk indirectly!?

– It is a pity that in this 21st century, we can have people still too befuddled to add 2+2 and get 4!. How can a multinational company deal with a government and an individual will own part of the structural income?

– I also heard of the utter rubbish that ABS wanted to relocate the Eid Praying ground, will he also relocate the cemetery? Anybody that goes and knows Eil Praying Ground very well would know its boundary has many decades back, been demarcated by fence at the back. So nobody tampered with the sacred land.

– What about the juicy federal political appointments he facilitated with his intimacy with the late President Yaradua and office as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum for many Kwarans like Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, Dr. Yomi Ogunsola into Federal Character Commission, Bio Ibrahim, Nimota Akanbi and many others? These exclude Kwarans who he used same influence transferred into federal public services as Directors and top public servants from state civil service.

– What about the youths’ involvement in the leadership of the state in which we had the likes of Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and so on appointed as Commissioners in their 30s?

– Rehabilitation and Modernization of Kwara Office Complexes housing many Ministries in the year 2009 to boost the morale of Civil Servants and enhance productivities was also lauded and smiled at by Kwarans then.

– The creation of office of Youths Empowerment Coordinators (YEC) for all the 16 LGs through whom his unmatchable youth empowerment strides were carried out is also memorable to mention. LG Liaison Officers (LO) to governors were also appointed among youths.

Tourism, Environmental, Women Affairs and other ministries also had it big during this period.

These are just few within the limit of my easy remembrance out of the monumental achievements of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Kwara State Governor. I am sure his aides then should be able to mention many hundreds of such unbeatable track records. They are too numerous to mention. His philanthropic gestures are second to none among his equals in Nigeria. Any personal contact with him will confirm that he is so humble, generous and likes to give arms in anonymity.

What has PDP cohorts done in history to develop the state? They didn’t have the courage to ever commit to the solid infrastructural developments, but now that it is in place, they come as nocturnal visitors on every election period from the Federal Capital to steal from where they never sowed.

It is high time that the people of Kwara awoke from their lethargy and note that the so called forefinger is only a finger, notably in the fore ably assisted by four fingers. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, now the Senate President of Federal Republic of Nigeria is a man, who has blood in his vein like yours, and if some people with a warped sense of transferring their hatred of Dr. Sola Saraki onto Bukola Saraki, haven hidden under the cloak of same Bukola Saraki to gain foothold of power are now rabid enough to be barking down the tree they climbed up on, time shall tell who really wanted the best for this state. Many people do not know that it was not Bukola Saraki’s political wisdom that won him the highly coveted seat of Senate Presidency but his goodwills and beneficial relationship many of his fellow governors and political associates have enjoyed from him in the past. That made the likes of Sen. Sanni Yerima, Danjuma Goje, Godswil Akpabio, Andy Uba and many of them stood across the party lines to support him for the position. Evidently, the vote of confidence passed by 81 Senators last week, which in figure, included 35 APC and 46 PDP Senators finally showed Sen. Bukola Saraki truly had the 35 APC supporting senators as he previously claimed. So had it been the Lawan Group did not abscond from the venue of the first primary election, which gave them more time to buy more Senators from Saraki and that APC did not wittingly insist on Open Balloting System during the second mock election, Saraki would have won gallantly. Well, his election was constitutional and nothing was treacherous about it. Politics itself adopts treachery as an instrument. Alas! Sen. Saraki whose political sagacity does not lie on words but nationalism and patriotism to the subjugated Nigerians played it rightly.

What more can a state governed by a man of monumental achievements, aptly named “Maigida” meaning “Owner of house” look for as sample of a “leading by example” leader? Anyone who knew Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed as a new entrant into public service in 2003 and/or during his stint at both the Finance and later the newly created Planning and Economic Development Ministry in Kwara State, will attest to His Excellency’s quiet hardworking attitude, so for anyone to describe his mien as a sign of weakness has never seen what a cougar looks like in the bush before pouncing. A government of continuity is always like that.

Obviously, Dr. Ahmed was busy completing some of the projects his predecessor and leader, Sen. Bukola Saraki could not complete in his first year in office alongside many Kwarans’ oriented projects. Kwarans should discern that they are fabrications of their political opponents, forgetting the politics NOW is more advanced than the politics THEN. That is, political propaganda do not always work now, it is candidates’ goodwills and works that speak for them. It is obvious that the personality of Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed which is in higher inches better than all his opponents that resulted in his reelection in the April 11 general election.

Indeed, Kwara is set to clutch the climax of her glory with Sen. Bukola Saraki as the Senate President of Nigeria who would be complementing and supplementing the Better Kwara Initiatives of Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed. They both need constructive criticisms not detractions incited by political opponents and in-fighters of APC from other states. They need our prayers to perform as expected. May God guild and protect them to better our lives as Kwarans and Kwara as our state.

So, agent provocateurs, be warned.

These are merely scratching the veneer of truth.

More are coming…

Featured

Rivers: Wike’s Men Reject Reployment, Resign from Fubara’s Govt

Published

5 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

Two Rivers State commissioners have resigned their appointments shortly after they were redeployed in a cabinet reshuffle by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are the Attorney General and commissioners for Justice, and Finance; Zacchaeus Adangor and Isaac Kamalu respectively.

The duo were affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23.

Kamalu and Adangor are loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the immediate former governor of Rivers and incumbent minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Last year, the commissioners resigned from their positions following the political feud between Wike and Fubara.

They were later reinstated after Wike and Fubara signed a peace accord facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

While Adangor was moved to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office), Kamalu was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment.

Kamalu’s resignation came hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, tendered his resignation.

In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was the reason he quit the cabinet.

The former commissioner said he could not give his best in an atmosphere of rancour.

“Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) originally as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (2015-2019) and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance with oversight responsibility for the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (2019 – 2023),” the letter reads.

“The mandates of the respective Ministries were to the best of our abilities (as Ministries) duly carried out and at all times material relevant reforms were embarked upon for improved performance and effective and sustainable service delivery.

“Among several others, we successfully carried out the following; “Initiating and (supporting existing) policy frameworks for enhanced internal revenue generation.

“This with (necessary adjustments made on some of the programs) led to the increase in the internal revenue receipts. This steady rise has presently generated though not the figures erroneously claimed in the media.

“Aggressive improvement in Federation receipts by securing recovery by the state of oilfields that were also the subject of the successful claim against International Oll Companies (IOCs) on production sharing contracts; the recoveries arising from 13% derivation and the demand by the state for adherence to the fiscal provisions in the constitution in support of states by successfully removing from Federation receipts institutions of Government whether state or federal not so recognized by the constitution such as the Police Trust Fund and others thus widening the available receipts for States and the last but not the least our success on the subject of Value Added Tax.

“The reason behind these painstaking efforts was to make available a basket of receipts sufficient to enable the state to deliver good governance through the provision of goods and services.

“It was this idea that informed the continuity and consolidation mantra that was the theme of your election campaign and government thereafter.

“You will respectfully recall that when the climate of discord became unbearable I and other like-minded members of the Executive Council that were appointed by you resigned.

“You thereafter engaged His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as Father of the Nation to intervene in the matter.

“In deference to the directive of Mr. President, I and the others were recalled and we all accepted and joined the cabinet again. I expected Sir that with the opportunity provided by Mr.President, every effort will be made to sustain peace.

“Regrettably Your Excellency the peace in Government and governance that we all – citizens and residents of the state desire has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts and demand for same.

“This has affected our ability to protect and defend the gains that we made these past years.

“In the course of official engagements, I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact we all are willing and determined to work for this.

“It is very difficult to deliver good governance where there is acrimony and discord. It is not the point of service that is important but the climate. Our present circumstance makes service delivery extremely challenging. I still hold the belief that it is never too late for peace.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment. I do not accept it. I reject it and convey to you my immediate resignation as Commissioner and member of the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter.

“While praying that the Good Lord grants us Peace, I thank you for the opportunity and assure you the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

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Tinubu Approves Credit Scheme Takeoff to Facilitate Purchase of Cars, Houses

Published

7 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate the purchase of houses and cars by working Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the Consumer Credit Scheme will enhance the quality of life citizens by allowing them to “access goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time”.

“It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations,” the statement added.

“Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.”

In line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

“This initiative, in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, aims to broaden consumer credit availability,” the statement noted, adding that working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit can visit CREDICORP’s website to express interest before the deadline date of May 15, 2024.

“The scheme will be rolled out in phases, starting with members of the civil service and cascading to members of the public.”

The CREDICORP’s objectives include: “(1) Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.

“(2) Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access today.

“(3) Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.”

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Group Celebrates Gov Umo Eno at 60 with Visits to Hospitals, Prisons, Empowerment of 60 Persons

Published

9 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Admin

In celebration of the 60th birthday of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the socio-political group, Connect Initiative, has embarked on a series of impactful initiatives.

They have empowered 60 vulnerable individuals and extended compassionate visits to hospitals and prisons across the state.

The group made up of professionals and entrepreneurs kicked off its activities with a low-key ceremony where 60 indigent people were given financial support.

The beneficiaries were carefully selected from across the 31 LGAs of the state.

In his opening remarks, the group’s Chief Conector, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, stated that the organisation decided to toe this line because it is the right thing to do putting into consideration the present realities in Nigeria.

He noted that the event which was to commemorate the birthday of Governor whom he described as a humble, compassionate and visionary leader that believes in development from the bottom up.

Dr Frank said that Comnect Initiatives will soon up the ante in terms of standing in the gap for government through impactful programmes and projects

In the course of the ceremony, seven respected Akwa Ibom indigenes were inducted into the Connect Forum: Sir Okon Okon, Captain Iniobong Ekong ( Retd), Aniekan Essienette, Ime Udo, Murphy Esin, Hon. Mbosowo David and Mrs Imobong Akamba.

The group then began the next day with a visit to the St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo LGA where they cleared the bills of some indigent patients.

The patients who were in the maternity, female surgical and paedetric wards had concluded their treatments but could not be discharged due to inability to pay their bills.

All the patients: Patricia Victor Brown ( from Itu LGA), Nkoyo Edet Okon ( Oron LGA), Emem Gabriel David ( Nsit Ubium), Enobong Gabriel Emmanuel and Mavelous Bassey were thankful for this womderful intervention of Connect Initiative on behalf of the governor.

The most moving moment of the visit was the case of Mrs Magdalene Okon Edet. After listening to the pathetic story of her surgery and condition afterwards, the group decided on-the-spot to foot her over N400,000 bill.

She and her family broke into uncontrollable tears of joy.

In addition, during the ward rounds, the team was given the cheering news that a mother had earlier that day been delivered of a baby girl.

Not only was the Ebong family’s bill settled, when the good news was relayed to HE Governor Umo Eno that he now had a new birthday mate, he immediately requested to meet with the father of the baby.

The lucky father was acknowledged and presented with special gift by the Governor during the commissioning of Atiku Abubakar Way project in the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In his remarks, Rev. Father Gabriel Ekong the hospital Administrator thanked Connect Initiative for embarking on this noble cause that has brought relief and joy to many homes.

While praying that God would replenish the pockets of all those who contributed to the kind gesture, he applauded the vision of Governor Umo Eno for urging wellwishers to embrace charitable causes instead of spending the funds on parties or other unproductive endeavours.

He used the opportunity to pray for excellent health and wisdom for Governor Eno, while wishing him a very successful tenure in government.

The next port of call for the Connect Initiative members was the Methodist General Hospital, Ituk Mbang, Uruan LGA.

There, the team visited the wards where Baby Favour Edidiong, Joyce Isaac Mbaba, Imeh Phillip Etukudo, Prince Asuquo Okon and Nko Etim Umoh were all cleared to go home with a commitment that all their outstanding bills would be fully paid. Again the patients erupted in happiness and were full of prayers and praise for the celebrant and Connect Initiative.

The Hospital Superintendent, Dr Aniekan in his remarks thanked the group for this humanitarian gesture, adding that this act was worthy of emulation by other organisations
The day was rounded off at the Minimum Correctional Centre, Uyo where the team pledged to pay the fines of 13 inmates with minor offences

Speaking to journalists after the visits, the President-General of the group, Ms Idy Ekwo stated that its itinerary was carefully planned in accordance with the wishes of the celebrant, Governor Umo Eno.

She noted that based on what was discovered during the visits, Connect Initiative would make charitable interventions a more frequent affair.

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