Don’t call me godfather of Kwara politics, says Saraki

Former Governor of Kwara state and a member of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, has taken exception to being addressed as ‘godfather of Kwara politics’.

 

Saraki, who aired his opinion in an interview published on the PREMIUM TIMES website on Sunday, March 2, said the days of godfatherism is gone in Nigeria’s politics.

 

“I don’t like your use of the word godfather; because honestly it doesn’t happen like that. The level of participation in politics now is so high. That is why you will see shockers in 2015. Look at the registration exercise that we just did, it tells you that the ordinary people really want change. You can’t just sit down as a leader and say this is the way we must go. Many people are going in different direction with their leader,” he said.

The former governor also spoke about the crisis ridding the Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum, NGF, which he headed during his days as Governor of Kwara state.

The body has been polarized after a faction rejected the result of an election of the forum where Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state had the mandate of the majority to continue as the chairman.

The breakaway faction, headed by Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau state, is believed to have the backing of the presidency.

According to Saraki, though ignited by political differences, the polarization of the forum is already costing the nation much more than imagined, fearing that solution was not on sight.

“They can’t meet. Forget NGF (because) the matter has now even entered National Economic Council. Throughout my period as governor; NEC never goes beyond one month, but the council has not met now for five months? That has never happened before.

“So the thing is now beyond NGF, as it has gone to Northern Governors’ Forum, and has now entered NEC. That was a matter that could have been easily resolved. What does NGF chairman do politically? Nothing! Can Amaechi stop the President if he wants to contest? It’s not possible! These are governors, they are all equals. It is just that there are lots of sycophants around.”

 

Speaking on his defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and alleged meeting between him, other defected members of the defunct new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, and the leadership of the PDP for possible reversal of their exit from the party, Saraki denied being approached by anyone to rescind his decision.

He also said such action is already late as his earlier decision was based on wide consultation with people of his constituency and other political associates in his home state.