Saraki’s ‘Midas Touch’

By Ekeh Macfred Nnanyere

The race for the Senate Presidency is on and is only wise to consider the antecedents of the principal contenders. However the piece is centEred on just one of the gladiators, Senator Bukola Saraki, senator representing Kwara Central.

Studying the gladiator’s background makes one cast his mind back to the mythical king in ancient times who transformed all he touched to gold and in the process carved a niche for himself in the annals of time. This much Saraki is wired to do.

He is possibly one of the few politicians whose name strikes an immediate chord in the nation’s polity today. Humble, composed, humorous with an ample dose of brilliance, he has made an indelible mark in the country through his numerous altruistic acts and imprints in the political terrain like few others.

When the nation’s historical pathway would be interrogated in the years to come, the personality, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) would unarguably be one name that would have carved its own unique niche in the hearts and memories of the people. From his giant strides as governor of Kwara state to his time at the Hallowed chambers, this amiable gentleman has left behind a visible trail of achievements and strides that has only been surpassed by few of his ilk.

Just like a decorated general, the 52 year old politician and lawmaker who served two terms as governor of Kwara between 2003 and 2011 has a long list of medals tagged to his noble heart.

Right from his stint as medical officer in London to his tenure as director, Societe Generale Bank in the 90s, he has shown an unusual knack for intense service delivery and a passion for getting the work done in whatever position he finds himself in.

The Turakin of Ilorin Emirate, the younger Saraki has followed the golden pathway of his father, Olusola Saraki who is known nationally and globally as a man of the people and a titan in issues that border on the welfare of the masses.

When Saraki was the senior special assistant to former president Olusegun Obasanjo on budget in 2000, he initiated the fiscal responsibility bill which has served as a veritable bulwark on which many financial policies of the government has been built upon in following years.

He equally served on the Economic Policy Coordination Committee, where he ensured the formulation and implementation of several crucial national economic policies and financial regulations that prevented the nation from keeling over economically.

His time as governor of Kwara also witnessed boom in several sectors of the state’s daily life. The amiable politician led several reforms in the agriculture, health, environment, security and financial areas of the state. He is credited particularly for inviting the displaced Zimbabwean farmers to Kwara who subsequently used their innovative agricultural skills to improve the lot of the state in the agricultural sector. The Shonga farming initiative by Saraki has since been replicated in other states of the federation.

But his achievements as governor go even further. Kwara under his watch was the first state to complete the independent power project which led to the development of 725 transformers, 7 substations, and 4 electrification projects. It is on record that while he was governor, electricity supply for Kwarans became stabilized for between 18 to 22 hours daily, a feat that has not been achieved by any governor in the country.

He developed state of the art hospitals in Patigi, Lafiagi and Afon. He also credited for the upgrade of the Ilorin International Airport Cargo Terminal and also the Kwara Football Academy.

Saraki as the leader of the forum of governors, liaised with the National Assembly to forestall a constitutional crisis when they crafted the ‘doctrine of necessity’ that led to the peaceful transfer of power to President Goodluck Jonathan in the wake of the confusion that enveloped the nation when erstwhile President Yar Adua fell ill.

His emergence as chairman, Nigeria’s Governors Forum in 2007 also showcased his immense leadership skills and passion for the growth of the federating units of the nation. While holding the position he also initiated many unique programs that have not been surpassed by any other peer review mechanism that allowed governors under the platform review their individual and corporate achievements with the view of cross learning from one another and putting such to practice in their respective states.

He also led the forum into crucial partnership with global bodies such as GAVI, UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank and UNDP which led to great strides in areas of health, food security and environmental issues. Saraki intervened actively in the lead poisoning crisis that rocked Zamfara in 2010. Saraki is the first governor to be awarded the Commander, Order of Nigeria. This perhaps shows his credible stock as a rising statesman

As senator, he has worked intensely to tackle oil spills and environmental pollution through his National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency Amendment Bill 2012, Gas Flaring Prohibition Bill, 2012 and Climate Change Commission Bill 2013.

On the international scene he has made his mark also. He established the GLOBE Nigeria, an arm of Global Legislators Organisation, a forum for lawmakers to advance environmental issues and he has campaigned on issues of governance, deforestation and economic development. Saraki once chaired a study session at the German parliament which shows his acceptability beyond the shores of this country. As a lawmaker at the National Assembly, his management capabilities are widely known.

It is a known fact that the election into the senate presidency goes beyond individual prowess but also includes the ability of the senator aspiring to the office to manage human resources effectively. In this regards, Saraki stands head and shoulder above his peers at the chambers.

Those who have worked with him tell of a man who has immense passion for the growth of his subordinates who assist him in various capabilities. One issue that has remained a sore point for many political aides is the fact that their principals hardly bother themselves about their welfare.

Only a minute percentage of lawmakers make conscious efforts to ensure the growth of their aides and assistants.

Saraki from testimonials of those who have worked with him falls into this limited endangered species of politicians. From all indications, it is obvious that the best man suited for the job of the senate president is this man who has been able to impact positively on the lives of both the young and the old.

At the last count, over 77 senators have queued up behind Saraki in his bid for the exalted position. Many more across board are also expressing support. This shows that he is the right man for the job and should be supported in his quest.

Ekeh Macfred Nnanyere
President, Coalition of Nigerian Youth
for Peace and Sustainable Democracy

Disclaimer: "The views expressed on this site are those of the contributors or columnists, and do not necessarily reflect TheNigerianVoice’s position. TheNigerianVoice will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."