Obasanjo: Beacon of National Unity, Says Saraki

*Congratulates Ex-President At 80

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Saturday congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on attaining the age of 80 and described him as a "beacon of national unity, peace and progress."

Saraki in a tribute to mark Obasanjo's 80th birthday anniversary on Sunday, March 5, 2017, said he is delighted, on behalf of the 8th Senate, to join family, friends and numerous well wishers of Chief Obasanjo, in celebrating his entry into the elite club of octogenarians.

OUR FRANK MESSAGE TO KWARA YOUTHS AND FREEDOM AGITATORS

... IT IS HIGH TIME FOR YOU TO GIVE YOURSELVES BRAIN! YOU HAVE BEEN COMPLICIT, TIMID AND SUBSERVIENT FOR DAMN TOO LONG!!

YOU MUST NOW STOP FOLLOW FOLLOW AND I SUPPORT SO SO PERSON POLITICS!!!

YOU MUST NOW GIVE YOURSELVES SENSE, STOP BEING COWARDS, PUT GOD FIRST AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES AS POWER BELONGS TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE!!!!

KWARA YOUTHS, YOU MUST ASPIRE WITH FULL FORCE TO OUTHRIGHTLY TAKE OVER THE AFFAIRS OF GOVERNANCE IN OUR DARLING KWARA STATE...WALLAHI, YOU CAN MAKE IT

... LET US ALL ARISE TO COLLECTIVELY RESCUE OUR DYING STATE, AID OUR DESTINY AND PURCHASE THE FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN...

WITH THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP IN KWARA STATE, THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN PLUS OURS ARE NOT IN SAFE HANDS...

2019 IS LOADING! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! 

Good day to you esteemed youths and freedom agitators of Kwara State. Let us once again, use this grace to thank you for the love and affection you showed to the Chief Editor of Kwara Hero on the occasion of his 42nd birthday. Can you imagine, the Chief Editor for the first time became so emotional that he was seriously short of words. It was so unusual because the guy is so much gifted as an orator, that in any forum he finds himself, he will deliver a very comprehensive speech that will address many situations. On the occasion of his birthday, he was so unusually quiet, reserved and evasive. Some of us when the anniversary died down, finally decided to engage him and inquire "Bros, wetin do you now?". 

He was quiet for a long time! His eyes were red! You would believe he had being crying because we were together all through so it wasn't sleep or drowsiness. When he finally gathered himself together and spoke, his speech there and then was what gave birth to this article you are reading this very minute. 

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: We Appreciate Contributions of Armed Forces to Nation Building, Says Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has commended officers and men of the nation's armed forces for their tremendous contributions to the survival and development of the country. Speaking today (Friday) at the National Mosque, Abuja, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Jummah service held to commemorate the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Saraki said the nation and her leaders will continue to appreciate the military and provide for the welfare of its members.

"Apart from the fact that the military symbolises the unity, strength, relevance and sovereignty of Nigeria, the men of the armed forces have helped to keep the country safe and help to ensure that our various diversities are sources of strength rather than division.

Saraki Calls For Collective Efforts To Grow Economy in New Year

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the New Year in spite of the hard times and called for collective efforts to end the current recession and grow the economy.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said the nation's challenges are surmountable "but we need to approach them with unity of purpose, focus and single-mindedness."

Saraki Promises to Intervene in Aviation Sector Facility Crisis

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Saturday pledged to intervene in the nation's aviation sector, which has suffered major setbacks, with the purported non-calibration of all 30 Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Ranges (VHFs) that are operational in the country.

In his response to a social media user, Adamu Taiwo Haruna, who tweeted at the Senate President’s @BukolaSaraki handle saying “SP @bukolasaraki all 30 Instrument Landing Systems & VORs in Nigeria are all out of calibration. This is a serious safety issue Sir,” Saraki responded that he would personally take up the issues with the aviation minister, SenayorHadi Sirika and heads of other agencies concerned.

SP Saraki On 2017 Draft Appropriation Bill Presentation By President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2017 Draft Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. Please find below the speech of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki!

Saraki and President Buhari

Protocol:

1. It is my pleasure on behalf of my Distinguished and Honourable colleagues to warmly welcome you Mr. President and your entourage to this joint session of the National Assembly.

2. Mr. President, while we may have struggled with key aspects of our budget process in the past, I am happy to note that we have made some important progress.

To start with, we are seeing the budget presentation coming slightly earlier this year. Though, we hope tosee an even greater improvement on this in the coming year. But more importantly however, is that so far this year’s budget process has benefitted from greater cooperation and consultations between the National Assembly and the Executive.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Senate Donates N12m To Ex-Servicemen

The Senate today donated N12 million to the Nigerian Legion towards the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations.

Announcing the donation while being decorated with the remembrance emblem, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said the gesture was to appreciate the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in providing and maintaining peace and security in the country.

Apart from the N12 million, Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mohammed Isa, said each Senator will make an individual donation to the Legion, since nothing is too much towards supporting the nation's retirees and keeping the memory of fallen heroesalive.

SP Saraki Seeks Media Partnership to End Economic Recession

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Wednesday urged the media to collaborate with the upper chamber in its efforts aimed at pulling the nation's economy out of recession.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, while presenting a keynote address at the 2016 Awards/Dinner for Senators and Journalists covering the Senate, organized by the Senate Press Corps.

While commending the awardees and organizers of the event, he urged the media to always ensure truth and objectivity in their reportage of events so as to adequately inform and educate the people about the activities of the parliament.

The Senate President stated that the 8th Senate has put adequate processes in place not only to ensure that the 2017 budget is passed in record time but to see a product and quality that Nigerians can be proud of.

Saraki Celebrates Dream Team VI, Urges for Honest Reappraisal

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Saturday celebrated with Nigeria's Dream Team VI for winning the bronze medal in the men's football event at the Rio Olympics and called on Sports authorities in the country to embark on honest reappraisal.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, also congratulated Nigeria for the feat achieved by the team.


He extolled the doggedness of the Coach Samson Siasia-led boys and their ability to bounce back from defeat to claim a bronze medal for the country.

Saraki Lauds Yusuf Alli's Appointment As UNIOSUN Pro-Chancellor

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, applauded the appointment of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Alli, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, stated that he was particularly pleased to identify with the legal Icon on the recognition and achievement in view of his exemplary lifestyle and professional pedigree.

He said: "Your recent appointment as the chairman of the Governing Council of a citadel of learning like UNIOSUN did not come to those of us that have keenly followed your pursuit of excellence in both your personal and professional life.

"Your commitment and doggedness in fighting to ensure that injustice has no place in our national life requires no emphasis. Besides, your choice demonstrates that like the proverbial golden fish, your character, positive disposition and good conduct are visible to all.

"The many landmark cases you have successfully handled, your numerous philanthropic gestures towards ameliorating the plight of the downtrodden in society and your contributions to the development of academic knowledge make your appointment both valuable and commendable.

"I am convinced that your chairmanship of the UNIOSUN Council would not only mark a watershed in the success story of the institution, it will turn around the academic, administrative and financial fortunes of the school for better. I expect nothing but the best from you in this new assignment. Congratulations," Saraki stated.

SP Saraki Tasks ECOWAS Parliament On Regional Integration, Security

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to work towards deeper integration and effective security for persons in the sub-region.

Saraki who made the call when the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Mustapha Cisselo, led other management staff of the parliament on a courtesy call on him in Abuja
also commended the leadership qualities exhibited by Cisselo since his election and urged him to do more in promoting the aims and objectives of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Saraki said: "As I said in my speech at your inauguration, we must continue to ensure the economic integration of the West African sub-region. We must ensure that we do our best to enhance the powers of the ECOWAS parliament so that it becomes effective and not just a place for talk-shop. We must also play our role in seeing that terrorism which is one of the greatest threat to our people gets the necessary collective approach to solve the problem and danger in our region.

SENATOR SARAKI AND THE FICTIVE CABAL - ADESINA

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, claims there is “now a government within the government of President Buhari”, which has allegedly seized the apparatus of Executive powers to pursue a nefarious agenda.

This claim by Senator Saraki would have been more worth the while, if it had been backed with more information. If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the “government within the government,” it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.

Forgery: Senators stage walkout as Senate becomes divided over invitation of AGF

A former President of the Senate (name withheld) on Tuesday warned the Upper Chamber against inviting the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over the forgery suit against the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

The former Senate president, who is also the serving senator, gave the warning shortly before the lawmakers reached the decision to invite Malami to appear before the Senate.

Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill: Senate Committed To Women Empowerment, Says Saraki

Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday reiterated the commitment of the 8th Senate towards the advancement and empowerment of women in all spheres of the country.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy, Fatima Kakuri, said the red chamber will also ensure the eradication of all discrimination against women through the Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill now being considered by the lawmakers.

The statement reads in part: "The Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill , which initially suffered some set back at its second reading has been reworked to reflect the broader views that were hitherto not accommodated and submitted to the Senate President. As promised earlier by Senate President, we are glad to announce to the public that the bill was formally presented and scaled first reading on the floor of the Senate.

Saraki Seeks Eradication Of Child Labour

Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Sunday called for eradication of Child Labour as part of activities marking this year's World Day Against Child Labour with the theme: "End child labour from the supply chain".

Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy, Fatima Kakuri, urged all stakeholders to work towards bequeathing a future devoid of child and all other forms of inhuman practices against children.


The statement reads:

Saraki Mourns Amodu Shuaibu

The Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Saturday expressed grief over the death of a former boss of the Super Eagles, Coach Amodu Shuaibu and said it is yet another colossal national loss.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, commiserated with the immediate family of the late Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the unfortunate incident.

He described the incident as particularly sad coming barely 72 hours after the country lost another national sports hero, Coach Stephen Keshi.

Farmers, Herdsmen Conflict: Senate to Find Solutions, Says Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has appealed to herdsmen and farmers across the country to maintain peace as the National Assembly is ready to proffer lasting solution to the perennial clashes over grazing by cattle.

Speaking yesterday when a group of herdsmen from Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association Jigawa state branch visited him, the Senate President who described the perennial clashes between the farmers and herdsmen as unfortunate, also appealed to the herdsmen to maintain peace at all times.

Saraki Says Democracy Remains Best Solution to our National Problems

The Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has commended Nigerians for working to sustain democracy in the past 17 years despite the various challenges the country has encountered within the period.
In a statement to mark this year's Democracy Day, signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described democracy as not only the most globally accepted system of government but also the best solution to the problems confronting a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria.

He said in the last 17 years, the electorate have become more discerning and sophisticated as the nation has got to the point that people elected to the various offices are now conscious of the fact that they are under constant watch and when they fail to meet the expectation of the voters, they will be given the red card.

#‎2016ChildrensDay‬: Saraki Celebrates Children, Canvasses Implementation Of Child's Rights Act

Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and some of his colleagues spent the whole of Friday celebrating children of various ages, as part of activities to mark the 2016 Children's Day.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu; the school pupils and secondary school students who arrived the Senate at 9am and took a tour of the Senate Chambers. Saraki later received them in his office and thereafter read to them from a story book Titled: "Ngozi Comes To Town" written by Fatima Akilu and published by Cassava Republic.

The Senate President admonished the children to read and take their studies serious so as to grow to become great leaders. He also presented packs of gifts, consisting reading materials to the children.

SP Saraki accuses EFCC of tampering with evidence

Profile picture os saraki

The Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his resumed trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal yesterday, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of tampering with the assets declaration form he submitted on assumption of office as governor of Kwara State.

He made the submission through his defence counsel, Mr. Paul Erokoro (SAN) who was cross-examining the prosecution witness, Michael Wetkast yesterday.

Erokoro said since the property at No. 15a&b Mcdonald Road, Ikoyi Lagos that EFCC accused Saraki of anticipatorily purchasing was not purchased and paid for till 2008, five years after the form was filled in 2003, then “logic tells us the Exhibit 1 has been tampered with.”