Indeed, Saraki Stole the Show

I read a piece by one Ibraheem Abdullateef, an SSA on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. I did with interest, disrelish and bewilderment. The write-up, he proclaimed was in reaction to a particular programme in which “some Kwarans took over the media with salacious tales of how Senator Saraki wined and dined with them.” He then digressed by forming an opinion of the person of President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Interesting because he, like his stock, couldn’t stomach their sheepish nature, following the aura radiating from the homecoming of the former Senate President.

Bewildered because it was needless, ill-timed and reprehensible. As I made to pen this piece, I took my time to read Abdullateef’s write-up the second time, yet it made no sense to me, other than a marriage of alphabetical letters, words and sentences. I did share with a good friend in the media space, who I know to be downright objective and unabashedly appreciative of the good and rational piece. The WhatsApp ticks showed doubled and turned blue, but he didn’t even get back. That’s quite unusual. I then prodded him further after several hours, to which he crisply responded: “Lacks focus. Disrespectful. Sorry, I couldn’t even read beyond midway.” He then ended it with three similar emojis, indicating disgust.

Perhaps I should state further and clearly that such was truly unwarranted during this period of Ramadan fasting and piety. It’s been a season when many are immersed in prayers, shows of love, acts of forgiveness, bonding and sharing. To have chosen this virtuous season to put up the garbage of thought with the failed intent to throw jabs and denigrate a statesman is beyond the pale. Sadly but matter-of-factly, this is the inexorable reality of having juveniles in positions of authority. Yes, you might be adjudged brilliant by your peers and could have graduated with honours. It still doesn’t confer on you the administrative acumen, leadership prowess, sound behavioural conduct and maturity required of some sensitive positions, lest, you tend to act unruly, denigrate the office, and bring disrepute to the organization – in this case, the government – that you represent.

Abdullateef cannot be blamed in isolation though. This is a vivid indication of bad leadership, where subordinates err rascally with no principal close by to check the excesses. But what do we do? Have we assurances of a change bear in the few years when Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq still has to spend in the saddle? Only time will tell.

That was just by the way. I perhaps, would have ignored it because it’s not worth the response. However, I like to make certain clarifications regarding the person of H.E Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. And in the spirit of Ramadan and reverence for the season, this will be as courteous as possible. After all, some of us still cherish our moral upbringing to know that politics should not blindfold you so much that you lose every sense of reasoning and respect for elders and statesmen. Like it or not, Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a blessing and pride to Kwara state. I understand it’s something his political adversaries hate to admit. May I also state that the Sarakis are already made as a family, rooted as a political dynasty and ABS as an individual. In all humility, Saraki looms so large politically beyond Kwara and is highly recognized at the national level. Till today, he remains one of the leading national unifiers and most charismatic political office holders in Nigeria. His record as President of the Senate – despite the odds during his days – still reverberates in the hallowed chamber. It is important to note that his regular homecoming is purely a testimony of his undiluted love for his people and in fulfilment of his commitment to serve the people either in or out of office.
Indeed, many would have doubted the likelihood of seeing a Saraki maintain devotion to Kwarans since he left office.

It is disheartening to many that the man they labelled “bossy” has been able to sustain the family tradition to sacrifice for the people and at a time like this, fulfil the commandment of his Creator and the principles of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) who command us to share with love and break fast with brethren. It’s laughable for the writer to reason that “he ate with them on the same chair, shook hands and took selfies after the meal.” And so? Was that supposed to be news? Has Saraki always dined and wined with ghosts? What exactly is new? Abdullateef was obviously making mountains out of molehills, perhaps in the absence of nothing tangible to say. It’s one of the most ludicrous things I’ve read in recent years. It’s no surprise anyway; came as a shock, but not a rude shock, the Social Judgement Theory presupposes that people come into an argument with preconceived positions. Such are thus, deafened to logic.

Life has also taught us that reactions like this are offshoots of spite. That article was all that was needed to prove that “Saraki indeed stole the show,” to the dissatisfaction of those he never even noticed. It is amazing that a man after how many years out of office has never for once ceased to render services to humanity. That obviously is the crux of their resentment. One of the most hilarious things I hear now and then is this anthem about how ‘O to ge’ ousted the Saraki dynasty. Whatever happened at the polls that year was nothing unexpected. Saraki knew he was warring against the federal might at the time and knew the consequences. He knew the odds before him, but the valiant stood his ground and made the bold and unfavourable choice. Where others chickened out, Saraki dared the consequences. He could have danced to their tune and sacrificed the people’s mandate to remain in the saddle. But he decided to sacrifice his electoral victory for personal political uprightness and justice. He still pays the price today, but he has never lived in regret. It is therefore preposterous that some group of political light-weights delights in taking the glory. They delight in self-deceit and fantasize about a non-existent political clout. Nothing, I mean nothing can dwarf the fortunes of the Sarakis.

The Iftar programme hosted by Saraki was to feed the people and share love among residents. That Saraki held the Iftar as a private citizen is commendable and one can not condemn those who chose to narrate their experiences during the age-long family tradition. Perhaps the writer was too young to know and was not told that the Sarakis are known for generous acts such as this. Should Gov Abdulrazaq’s aide care to understand the element and the various entities surrounding the acts, to sane people, it’s an act of worship, Ibadah. All that talk about image laundering is nothing but a figment of his imagination.

He talked about, “Humility being a lifestyle.” He added, “Five years after, not only has Abdulrazaq been steady and consistent.” He made me ‘chuckle in Arabic’. For a group of people that parroted the Governor carrying his bag by himself and praying outside of the Central Mosque in an attempt to evade the Palace, do you have the right to say one group is embarking on image laundering? When was the last time the Governor carried his bag, prayed outside, or queued at the airport? After all, we know how much Kwara has exhausted on chartered flights under Gov. Abdulrazaq. For months, the Governor’s humility was the sole thing that was sold to the public, not his previous records as a private sector actor or any previous success or office achievements because there were none. His antecedents were erased completely and no new record of achievements for almost five years in government!

A couple of weeks ago, Abdulwasiu Tejidini, an appointee of the Kwara State Governor, described him as not being different from Prophet Muhammed. Such a description was close to insanity and was never treated as such. Such are the traits of political nuisances and sycophants. Unlike Tejidini, an appointee of Governor Abdulrazaq, those who hosted the Iftar programme on the radio were not even Saraki’s aides or his political party executives.

As an admirer of the former Senate President, before being appointed as SSA on Communications to the incumbent Governor, one should ask exactly what was it that endeared the writer towards him, and what has changed now? Was it such useless tales that drove your admiration or the qualities and excellence he offered in leadership? Forgive me for asking what has changed, I forgot back then, you were little and a nobody but today, you are an SSA.

You didn’t ask for my two cents, but let me give you anyway; do not be overzealous. Whenever you write, take your time to read to yourself and ask yourself this simple but candid question: “If I’m in a public foray where those concerned are present, can I confidently say this that I’ve typed to the gathering?” If you cannot, then you have not communicated. You have only wasted your precious time and dignity. It’s the season of magnanimity and I give you that free of charge. Let me leave with this categorical clarification, that Saraki as a leader does not force people to follow, he only invites the people on a journey.

Abdulyekeen Mohd Bashir writes from Bola-Ige Junction, Off Liberty Junction, Oke Ado, Ibadan.