The last time Ilorin International Airport perhaps witnessed such a mammoth crowd in Kwara State was during the first official visit of the President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the State to declare open the 2007 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on 27th August, 2007. This time around, it was not another visit of Mr President but the historic return of and an heroic welcome of the first two-term Executive Governor of Kwara State, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who had left the seat of power for one month annual vacation to the United Kingdom. 

Perhaps, what makes his return so significant was the fact that this was the first time Dr Saraki would be having a longer vacation after five years in office as the ‘Chief Executive’ of Kwara State. The plane that brought the man, whose political relevance in Nigeria today is unquestionable touched down at the Ilorin Airport at exactly 4:55pm. Dr Saraki, who was beaming with smiles and dressed in a blue ‘Babariga’ with befitting cap and shoes to match was warmly received by his deputy, Chief Joel Afolabi Ogundeji and all members of the State Executive Council. 

Members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Alhaji Issa Bio Ibrahim were also not left out, ditto members of the State Judiciary led by the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb and the Grand Khadi, Justice Abdukadir Imam Oba Fulani. 

Also on hand to receive the Governor were some members of the State Security Council, PDP State Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Ayedun, Council Chairmen and party chieftains from all the 16 Local Government Areas, Permanent Secretaries, Special Assistants, market women and artisans as well as local musicians, all added colour to the welcome reception. 

With the reception ceremony over, Dr Saraki took some time off to answer a few questions from newsmen. As was his usual practice, he gave praises to Almighty Allah for sparing his life to return safely and for sparing the lives of all those he left behind. 

His words: “It is a great pleasure to be back from vacation. I am back fully refreshed and more energized to continue from where we stopped and to serve kwarans better. I thank all of you for coming out to honour me and for maintaining peace and harmony during my vacation”. 

Dr Saraki, who used the occasion to appeal to muslims to use the on-going Ramadan period to show genuine brotherhood, love and tolerance towards one another, also called on media practitioners and politicians to exhibit caution and be wary of their comments on sensitive issues like the President’s state of health which bothers on human life. He specifically appealed to the media to avoid speculative reporting concerning the president’s health condition and politicians not to politicize the issue so as not to overheat the nation’s polity. 

“In a sensitive matter like this, we must be cautious about what we write”, adding that “politicians should know that power comes from God and therefore should allow Yar’Adua to be”. He therefore charged the media to be more patriotic in the discharge of their duties and appealed to Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations to pray for the good health of Mr. President and political stability in the country, instead of making attempts to politicize the issue for personal gains. 

Still on Mr. President’s state of health, Dr Saraki explained further that it was an important issue which should be treated as such. The country, he said was lucky to have had nine solid years of un-interrupted democracy since 1999 and warned strongly that nothing should be done to truncate its stability and sustainability. 

From the airport, Governor Saraki’s convoy was besieged by excited people of the state who lined the roads to welcome him. Singing and dancing, the crowd waved to their governor as he drove through the airport road down to Odota – Asa Dam – New Yidi – Unity – Murtala Mohammed road and Ahmadu Bellow way up to the Government House, the seat of power. One thing is clear. The population of people waving to the governor as he drove through these major roads were by far, greater than those at the airport reception which attests to his call on the people to continue to exhibit love. The love is already being exhibited. 

Interestingly at the Government House, many people deferred breaking their fast until they have caught a glimpse of their governor. Fascinated by their action, Dr Saraki thanked them all for the spirit of true love exhibited towards him and his administration. 

  

Salahudeen Olayinka Jimoh 

Deputy Chief Press Secretary

Government House