By Omowumi Omotosho
The President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has decided to stay away from the Ilorin Durbar which holds today in the ancient city.
Saraki premised his decision to shun the cultural event on his love for the Emirate Community and his commitment to peaceful atmosphere across the city in particular, and the state in general. He is also making this sacrifice not only for the sake of peace,but also as a mark of high respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi of which he holds the highest traditional title of Waziri the prime minister of the Ilorin emirate.
According to a press statement issued by Saraki’s press officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir and made available to National Pilot on Tuesday, the former Senate President’s decision not to attend the Durbar was taken after respected traditional title holders and top Islamic scholars appeal to him not to attend the event.
This he disclosed after he was briefed that the government of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq do not want him around the festival for their personal and political reasons.
According to the press statement, “We understand that tremendous pressure was put on the Ilorin Emirates Council by the Government of the state to stop the Waziri of Ilorin from attending the event. Abdulrazaq is jittery that the former Governor, Dr. Saraki, will steal the show as usual.”
“The rejection of the Abdulrazaq led government by the people is because of its failure to eradicate poverty, provide quality leadership and not being able to deliver on good governance. We implore the Governor to sit up and stop blaming Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for the problem he created for himself and his government.”
Saraki who is the highest ranked traditional tittle holder of Ilorin said he is staying away from the traditional festival for peace and orderliness.
“Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquility, I am staying away from the Durban celebration this year”, Saraki said.
Saraki is said to be in high spirit to join the peace loving people of the Emirate to celebrate the traditional festival of his people until the move by the government to stop him.
Saraki, wished the organizer of this year Durbar a success and implore them to deliver on promises made during consultation and planning of the event.
“I wish our people happy celebration and many more to come. I implore us to celebrate with moderation and eschew any act that could truncate peace and orderliness in the state,” he said.
