Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki on Tuesday renewed their political rivalry with the 2024 Ilọrin Grand Durbar.
The duo exchanged handshake at the Eid prayer ground, on Sunday, the first time both political leaders would exchange pleasantries publicly in several years.
However, the development failed to nudge both political leaders on the part of peace as they returned to the trench a few hours later.
It was Saraki that fired the first salvo in a statement when he said he would be staying away from the Durbar for peace to reign.
According to him, the decision to shun the cultural event was based on his love for the Emirate and commitment to the peaceful atmosphere across the city in particular, and the state in general.
He said he was also making the “sacrifice not only for the sake of peace, but also as a mark of high respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi.
According to the statement signed by his press officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki said his 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.
“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.”
But Governor Abdulrazaq in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye, fired back at the former Senate President.
“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”, he said.
AbdulRazaq added that “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 the 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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