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The Kwara State governor, Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq, and former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, engaged in a war of words yesterday in what could be described as resuscitating a political rivalry.
The disagreement came as a result of an appearance and participation at a Durbar festival.
Durbar is a cultural festival of the people of the Ilorin Emirate, led by the Emir of Ilorin. Durbar always comes up on the third day after the Eid-Kabir celebration, where some eminent personalities of the Ilorin Emirate at home and abroad come around and take advantage of the period to celebrate and revisit their historical heritage by riding on a horse along with their traditional leaders, Emir, Baloguns, Alanguas, and Chiefs, and touring some selected areas within the communities before coming back to the forecourt of the Palace of Emir of Ilorin, located at Oja-Oba, for various line-up activities to celebrate the day.
But, in what looks like a renewal of a political rivalry between a former governor of the state who is also a leader of the main opposition party, People Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Bukola Saraki, and the sitting governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, they both do this through their aides via a statement from their camps.
It was the publicity secretary of the PDP, Mr. Olusegun Adewara, who first released a statement to inform the public that Saraki would not be attending the Durbar festival due to security reasons and in the interest of peace.
According to him “In a noble gesture and in the interest of peace, Dr. Saraki, earlier today, 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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, in response via a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye said
Senator Saraki’s statement came in a bad faith, noting that he never attended Ilorin Durbar since 2019.
The statement read “Senator Bukola Saraki should leave Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) out of his self-inflicted shame of not being able to hold himself to the standard expected of a statesman who should exhibit decorum, decency, and good behaviour.
“The Governor has repeatedly shown humility and large-heart to accommodate everyone to operate as they wish as bonafide citizens. He is not about to go low because of Senator Saraki’s provocative behaviour and intent to foul the atmosphere with his unstatesmanly conduct at public events.
“Repeatedly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has demonstrated his belief in politics without bitterness through his all-inclusive politics that addresses the needs of all citizens in the state, irrespective of any differences.
“In a sustained demonstration of his statesmanship and large-heartedness, the Governor shook hands with the former Senate President and other opposition politicians at the Ilorin Eid praying ground.
“Landslide victories of 2019 and 2023 elections in Kwara are clear testimonies of how the people of Kwara State have preferred the Governor to lead the state. He is thankful to God and to the people for the vote of confidence in his humble leadership.
“Finally, to the best of our knowledge, Senator Saraki has never attended the Ilorin Durbar since 2019. His statement, therefore, reeks of mischief and bad faith, which we leave history to judge.”
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