Saraki @ 56: Atiku, Dogara, Gov Ahmed, Speaker, Atunwa celebrate Senate President

By Adebayo Olodan

Torrents of birthday messages have continued to pour in for the Senate President and the Chairman of National Assembly, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON as he turns 56 today.
Leading a host of personalities to have eulogised Saraki who is widely described as the architect of modern Kwara on his 56th birthday is former vice president and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
The Waziri of Adamawa said in a congratulatory message, signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said the Senate President who also doubles as Director General of his Presidential Campaign Council, has carved a niche for himself in the annals of Nigeria’s politics and good governance.
According to him, Saraki is an embodiment of finesse, a fusion of intellectual fecundity and leadership competence; a brave defender of democracy and symbol of courage; and an adherent to the rule of law and selfless stewardship.
Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, in Abuja commended Saraki for his constant promotion of the independence of the legislature and his outstanding contributions to the nation building, describing him as a courageous and patriotic leader.
Also, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed in a message signed by him, the Governor on behalf of the good people and government of Kwara State felicitated with the Senate President on the occasion while enumerating his many achievements at the National Assembly and as governor of the state.
“As the President of the Senate and Chairman, National Assembly, Your Excellency’s sterling leadership qualities have made the legislative arm of government a credible platform for good governance in the country.
“As you join other patriotic democrats to rescue the nation from the current state of insecurity, hopelessness and sectarian divide, may Allah (SWT) grant you more fruitful years in the service of our dear fatherland, Nigeria,” part of the governor’s birthday message read.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad said all members of the Assembly are proud of Saraki’s sterling and exemplary leadership and worthy contributions to national development.
In his message, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and member of the House of Representatives, Hon Razak Atunwa described Saraki as a brave and fearless leader.
“You are a quintessential role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their lives.
“Your leadership has meant so much to the people of Kwara State in particular and the nation at large. You have such a positive impact on your constituents. Your service to our dear nation cannot be undermined. You have proven yourself to be a leader of high ethics and morality. You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership,” Atunwa said.
In his words, the state Chairman of the PDP, Engr Kola Shittu said, “Our leader is a man divinely blessed with uncommon expertise, dynamic art of governance, pragmatic and visionary leadership that have continued to stand you out as a gifted Nigerian with a difference.
“It has been extremely fulfilling watching you write many histories as a consummate politician and selfless leader.”
He however prayed for sound health, strength, wisdom and divine prosperity for the Senate President as he directs the steps of the party to the zenith of political victory next year.
Also, the entire Kwara Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the House of Representatives
in their joint message on the occasion described Saraki as an unrivalled leader who has over the years impacted countless lives as governor of Kwara State and the Senate President.
Also, in a statement issued from his media office in Ilorin, a former acting national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje said Saraki as the national leader of the party touched many lives positively and created platform for younger generations to excel.
He eulogised his contributions and outstanding accomplishments in the service of this country over the years as a two term Governor, Chairman of Governor’s forum, distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President of the Senate in the eighth Assembly.
Meanwhile, this year’s celebration like in recent years is expected to be a low-key event.
The celebration is to be heralded by a prayer session scheduled for 7am at the celebrant’s GRA residence in Ilorin is to be led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Mohammed Bashir Soliu and Imam Agbaji, Alhaji Aminullahi Tantolohun.
It is however uncertain whether Saraki will be in Ilorin for his birthday celebration as the Senate President is expected to preside over the 2019 budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari at the National Assembly complex, today.
Born on Dec 19, 1962 to the family of Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki and Florence Morenike, the Senate President attended the prestigious Corona School Victoria Island, Lagos before proceeding to King’s College, Lagos, from 1973 to 1978 and Cheltenham College in the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1981 for his High School Certificate.
He then studied at the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, where he obtained his M.B.B.S (London).
Saraki worked as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988 to 1989. He was a director of Société Générale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990 to 2000.
In 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Saraki as Special Assistant to the President on Budget.
From 2003 to 2011, he was the governor of Kwara State under the platform of the PDP and was first elected as a senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district in 2011. Four years later, he was re-elected to the same office and he emerged the Senate President in June 2015.