The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State over the death of Second Republic Leader of the Senate and godfather of Kwara politics, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, describing his death as the exit of a titan.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State,Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said the fact that the Dr Saraki passed on at a time of increasing intolerance in the country makes his death more painful, considering his lead role in ensuring peace and unity in Kwara State, the North and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum said it is sad that Saraki – a man of peace and a rare patriot – passed on at a time the country needs the wisdom and guidance of all important leaders like him to help end the security challenges confronting the nation.
The forum noted that the late Dr Saraki was a bridge builder and a conciliatory force, who helped to bring together his people, irrespective of their political differences or whether or not they were in the political mainstream or in the opposition,’’ it said.
It said throughout his time as a political leader and Chairman of the Northern Union, violence, whether sectarian or otherwise, was a rare occurrence in Kwara, where Christians and Muslims co-habit in peace.
“It is also noteworthy that his over three decades in the nation’s political firmament brought tremendous progress and modernization to Kwara State and Nigeria,” the statement added.
The forum prayed God to grant the late Saraki eternal rest and give his family and the entire people of Kwara State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
