* Kwara Gov, PDP, others mourn
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The matriarch of Saraki family. Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki, is dead.
She was reported to have died on Tuesday in Lagos at the ripe age of 89, according to family source. .
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has condoled with the Sarakis, particularly the former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Mr. Olaolu Saraki, and the rest of the family on the sad development, urging them to be consoled by the fine legacies of their matriarch.
Governor AbdulRazaq prayed to God to repose the soul of the deceased and uphold the family after her death.
Also, the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement, has “expressed sadness over the passing of Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, the esteemed mother of Dr. Bukola Saraki, former President of the Nigerian Senate and leader of our party in Kwara State”.
The PDP, in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Rt. Honorable Babatunde Mohammed, described the late matriarch as a strong pillar of support, not only for Dr. Saraki and her other children but also for those outside her immediate family.
“Kwara State PDP expresses deep sorrow over the loss of Chief Mrs. Saraki, a remarkable matriarch whose life was marked by profound impact and unwavering dedication to her family and Kwara State. She was a mother in the truest sense, providing steadfast support to her children and standing as a formidable pillar within the Saraki dynasty.
“Our party urges the former Senate President to find strength in the knowledge that Mama lived an impactful life and to an advanced age, knowing full well that she raised her children to global heights such that the whole world is benefiting from her great motherhood. This alone will continue to inspire generations.
“While we grieve her departure, we take solace in the rich legacy she leaves behind, a testament to a life well-lived in service, compassion, and resilience. Her contributions to the lives of those around her and her enduring influence within the Saraki family will continue to inspire us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the leader, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON), the entire Saraki family, and all those touched by Mama’s lasting legacy during this difficult time.
“The PDP prays that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the departed matriarch and grants her a befitting place in paradise,” the statement stated.
In the same vein, the former Speaker of the Kwara State House Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, in a statement personally signed by himself, also expressed sadness over the demise of Mrs Saraki, describing her passing as sad and shocking.
Professor Ali extended his heartfelt condolences to the entire Saraki family, urging them to take solace in the impactful life of their matriarch. He especially sympathised with the President of the 8th Senate on the sad development, praying to Allah to strengthen his resolve and comfort him on the loss of his mother.