*…Says his love embedded in people’s hearts

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended its leader and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for his unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of the Emirate and the State in general.

It would be recalled that Dr. Saraki had earlier today (Tuesday), announced the cancellation of his planned attendance at this year’s Ilorin Durbar festival, following appeals from the Palace and other notable Islamic clerics in the metropolis.

In a statement by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party lauded Dr. Saraki’s peaceful stance, noting that as a two-time Governor of Kwara State, former Senate President, and the highest traditional title holder in the Emirate, he has, once again, demonstrated his commitment to the peace and unity of Ilorin and his regards for traditional and religious leaders in the State.

The party said: “It was very clear that the huge, organic, and warm reception Dr. Saraki received at the Ilorin Eid praying ground on Sunday had unsettled Governor Abdulrazaq and his camp, who spent millions of naira to mobilise praise-singers and party supporters to the Eid praying ground. It added that the governor and his camp were, however, pained by the overwhelming admiration and support accorded Dr. Saraki at the Eid praying ground.

“Our party believes that the governor’s camp is intimidated by Dr. Saraki’s popularity and fears his presence at the Durbar. As a result, they have plotted to create chaos during the event and falsely attribute it to Dr. Saraki and his supporters. Sensing the desperation of the governor’s camp, the Emir’s Palace had no choice but to plead to and dissuade Dr. Saraki from attending the Durbar, in the interest of peace and order.

“We urge the Governor and those around him to recognise that Dr. Saraki’s enduring popularity and goodwill among Kwarans and the Ilorin Emirate are a testament to his exceptional leadership and selfless service to the people. No amount of effort or resources spent to prevent his presence at the Durbar can diminish the love and appreciation that resides in the hearts of the people. His legacy is deeply rooted in the hearts of the citizens, and not confined to a specific event or venue.

“Our party notes that as the Waziri of Ilorin, the highest traditional title holder under the Emir, Dr. Saraki’s decision to refrain from attending the Durbar reflects his dedication to upholding the sanctity of Sheik Alimi and the revered throne of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. This decision was undoubtedly a difficult one, considering the thousands of Ilorin residents who had eagerly anticipated his presence to add vibrancy and glamour to the event.

“The Kwara PDP enjoins Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus more on examining himself rather than seeing Dr. Saraki as the reason behind his wanton failures in leadership. There’s still time to be proactive and retrace his steps from all his anti-masses policies, including wasteful spending of billions of taxpayer’s money and crippling of local governments’ administration in the state.

“The Kwara State PDP calls on all stakeholders to follow Dr. Saraki’s exemplary leadership in prioritizing the peace, welfare and harmony of our people above his personal gains.”