Let’s give Saraki a chance in 2023 – Oloyin

By Mike Adeyemi

A call has gone to all Nigerians to give the immediate past Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki a chance to become the next president of Nigeria come 2023.

A Peoples democratic Party Chieftain, Oloyin Abdulganiyu, made the call during a paper presentation tagged, “Towards Political Efficacy and Competence in Nigeria,” at the Annual Alanamu Empowerment Programme, organised by the Alanamu Youth Wing of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP last Saturday.

According him, ‘Bukola Saraki has over the years shown high degree of political efficacy and competence in the political annal of Nigeria as evident in his meritorious service as chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum.’

“Bukola Saraki has shown high degree of political efficacy and competence, he took pride in voting and the belief that people should participate in politics. This was evident in his emergence and meritorious service as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) between 2007 and 2011.

“He spearheaded a major restructuring and redefining of the forum and his leadership style transformed the forum into a formidable association by invigorating the commitment of Governors in pursuing the main crux of creating the forum,” Oloyin said.

He added that the former senate president during his time at NGF, birthed a concept that enables states to exercise their autonomy as required in a federating state.

“If there is anyone out there who desire good leadership for Nigeria in 2023, who seeks for a man that connects with the people and will try to consult with them, rather than lord over them, Dr. Bukola Saraki is the man.

“If you want a man who has travelled across the country and has friends virtually everywhere he travelled to, and know at least one person that he can communicate with, Dr. Bukola Saraki is the answer. If you are looking for a good politician who is very versed in economy and is able to connect with average Nigerians, support Bukola Saraki for President.

“He distinguished himself as Senate President with efficacy and competence by focusing on the unity of Nigeria despite resistance; even if it was to cost him his promising political career.

“He is steeped in knowledge of economy and politics and well grounded in sagacity to match. He is one Senate President who demonstrated considerable control, charisma and mettle. He straddles both North and South which yielded double advantage geopolitically; He is Bukola from the South and Abubakar from the North,” Oloyin affirmed.

He as as a result of Saraki’s fast track of achievements that cuts across Nigeria, his chance of becoming the next Nigeria president is bright.

“As a visionary leader, he saw the need for states to regain their lost glory of constituting a credible unit within the wider context of the federation, thereby removing the manifest distortion which militates against the realization of true federalism.

“The NGF took a new shape under his leadership in the form of stronger cohesion and dramatic increase in the level of commitment. The forum under his able leadership became the basis for major policy contribution on important national issues such as the debate on Sovereign Wealth Fund, minimum wages, and removal of fuel subsidy.

“More importantly, Zonal groups are developed which mirror the forum increasing effectiveness to discuss ways of overcoming their commonly shared development challenges. Consequently, after his tenure as the NGF chairman in 2011, many Nigerians believed he was the right man to fix the nations numerous problems and supported his ambition to get it done.

“Coincidentally, the President of the nation at that time was from his party (PDP) and because he was equally interested, he picked the ticket and Dr. Saraki opted for the Red Chamber. His efficacy in the first four years in the Senate especially his brilliant contribution into fuel subsidy issue among many others prepared him for the leadership of Nigeria National Assembly.

“Having won election as second term Senator, observers and patriot got a big relieve that a man who had the understanding of the common problems and possess the competence that would enhance collaboration irrespective of party differences and economic strength has finally appeared at the critical time.