Ajakaye urges Saraki to leave Gov Abdulrazaq out of his ‘self-inflicted shame’

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin 

In what seems to be political muscle flexing between the Kwara State Governor Mallam Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman and the former Senate president Sen. Bukola Saraki at Eid praying ground on Sunday where Saraki was alleged to have disrupted the Emir of Ilorin’s usual speech through the unruly behaviour of some thugs, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye has urged Saraki to leave Governor Abdulrazaq 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.

Ajakaye stated this in a statement on Tuesday.

There has been back and forth between loyalists of both parties and the former governor has decided to boycott this year’s Durbar, a traditional Islamic event held after Eid-el-Kabir every year in Ilorin.

But Ajakaye in the statement said, “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 statement stressed that the Governor has repeatedly shown humility and large-heartedness to accommodate everyone to operate as they wish as bonafide citizens and that 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.

According to Ajakaye, Governor 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.

He added that in 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 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 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” he stated.