The President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has again restated his love for the Ilorin Emirate Community and his commitment to an atmosphere of peace.
“So, for the sake of peace and highest respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi stay off the Ilorin Durbar event today”, Saraki said in a statement issued by his media aide on local matter, Abdulganiyu Abdulqodir.
Saraki’s decision not to attend was taken after respected traditional title holders and top Islamic scholars appeal to him not to attend the event.
The statement said: “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.
“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 Waziri of Ilorin said he is staying away from the traditional festival for peace and orderliness.
“Our Principal is not responsible for the failure of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration, and should not be a nightmare or means to cover for the government’s failure.”
According to the media aide, “the Waziri Ngeri was 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.
“Regrettably, I wish to announce that for peace and tranquility, I am staying away from the Durban celebration this year”.
Dr 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.
