By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ilorin GRA residence of the President of the 8th Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was a beehive of activities as political party associates, elders, leaders, women, and youths gathered for Sallah celebration with him.

Social activities commenced as early as 9:00am after news filtered around that Saraki would not attend the Ilorin Durbar celebration.

It would be recalled that Saraki, the
Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, had early on Tuesday disclosed his decision to stay off the Ilorin Emirate Durbar celebration in.the interest of peace.

At his Ilorin residence, political party faithful, women groups in different colourful attires, and other well-wishers sang and danced to various beats from the various drum groups.

The people took turns to appreciate Saraki for standing by them always and ensuring they had a joyous Sallah celebration.

Ahead of the Ileya festival, Saraki had gifted the people, including
traditional rulers, religious leaders, party elders/leaders, women groups, and different associations,
with Sallah packages, including rams, cows, clothing materials, among other items.

An excited Saraki expressed happiness at seeing everyone who had come to rejoice with him and thanked them for the show of love and support.

He rejoiced with the Party faithful particularly the women, who he emphasised had always stood by him despite all odds.

“They had always thought the support was because we were in government but we continue to prove them wrong.

“They even spread the rumour that we were spending public funds, but now that we’ve not been in government, can they still say the same?

“Even as citizens, despite the worsening economic situation in the country, we have always been able to put together glamorous Eid celebrations. All thanks to Allah,” he said.

The State Chairman of the PDP, Mohammed Babatunde, rejoiced with the people of Kwara over the peaceful and colourful celebration of the festival.

He charged party loyalists to remain committed to the ideals of the PDP and not be intimidated by the coarseness of the ruling APC under Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The party Chairman urged them to “get prepared for the forthcoming Local Government elections, scheduled to come up five years after the AbdulRazaq administration has been in office.

Also present at the funfair was Saraki’s wife and former First Lady of the state, Barr. Toyin Saraki, who flanked him all day.

Other dignitaries included former Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Kamaldeen Ajibade among others.