Saraki Gets ‘Heroic’ Welcome Over Supreme Court Acquittal
- Speaks on next political move soon
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO, ABUJA – President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Tuesday got a heroic welcome from his supporters and admirers as they stormed the Ilorin International Airport to receive and celebrate him over his recent Supreme Court acquittal.
Coming ten days after the nation’s apex Court discharged and acquitted him of false assets declaration allegations, it was all smiles for the Senate President and the supporters as his plane touched down in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
A statement by the Media Department, Senate President’s office said the huge crowd of Saraki’s supporters awaited his arrival for about eight hours, having assembled at the airport as early as 8.00am.
According to the statement, motorists and other road users had a hectic time on the Ilorin-Ogbomosho road as Saraki’s supporters lined both sides of the road with vehicles stretching for kilometers.
Accompanied on the flight by the Speaker of the Kwara State’s House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad; Senator Rafiu Ibrahim; former Speaker of the State Assembly and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Barrister Razak Atunwa as well as former presidential spokesman, Dr Doyin Okupe, Saraki described his three-year trial as tough but expressed happiness that his followers never doubted his innocence throughout the period.
The Senate President, who fielded questions from journalists, however declined comments on his likely next line of action given mounting pressure from some quarters for him to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for another party.
Insisting that he will not be pushed over the matter, Senator Saraki said; “As I said, don’t worry, don’t push me, I will call you all at the appropriate time and I will tell Nigerians my next political move.”
He described the false assets declaration trial as a very long journey for him as well as his supporters in Kwara State and across the country, adding that; “Today, we thank the Almighty God for this. I want to thank all of them who did not at any time waver. They believe in my innocence and supported me throughout those three very tough years and it was a great feeling for all of us.
“It is my first homecoming to thank them for all the support they have given me and the victory and for the fact that the truth prevailed and justice was done. Today is a day for me to visit and more importantly thank the people for the support they have given for years.”
According to him, “As I always say, time will come for everything. A time will come; I will tell the people where I am; what I’m doing. For now, it is just to thank the people of the state because the last three years have been tough and they are still committed and remain and I have to appreciate that. I appreciate that.”
With the large crowd of supporters from the Ilorin airport, the Senate President’s motorcade drove to Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari’s palace for a ‘thank you visit’.
It was indeed celebration time as political associates, supporters and Ilorin residents lined up the streets to demonstrate their love for the Senate President in what many of the supporters hailed as a heroic reception for ‘the Home Boy’ and the ‘Strongman of Kwara politics’. – With agency reports
