Yesterday witnessed a huge final tributes for the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Second Republic Senate Leader who died in Lagos and already buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
In his message, President Goodluck Jonathan had affirmed that Dr. Saraki will remain in the nation’s annals of history as a political colossus.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the elder statesman’s family and the people of his home state, Kwara, to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics.
“He urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.
“President Jonathan believes that the late Dr. Saraki will be long remembered and eulogised as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser, and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.
“The President has no doubts that this public-spirited politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.
“He believes that the ordinary people of Kwara in particular will always remember the “Oloye” with great affection because of the constant support they received from him.
“The President further notes that Dr. Saraki’s brand of people-oriented politics and his success in building on his strong support base to contribute positively to Nigeria’s political development as a powerful voice in the nation’s dominant political parties, as the Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic, and as the ultimate reference point in the politics of Kwara state for decades, have assured him of a place amongst Nigeria’s heroes of democracy.
“President Jonathan urges Nigerians to emulate Dr Saraki’s patriotic commitment to national unity, politics without bitterness as well as his magnificent spirit of philanthropy.
In his outpouring message, Senate President, David Mark likened Saraki to a shinning star, stating that he was a political giant of no equals.
A statement by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the President of the Senate, Kola Ologbondiyan, described Saraki as “a political tactician and political engineer” who navigated the political environment like a colossus.
He had observed that his political style has helped the nation to meet up with the modern day democracy.
Mark said: “Saraki was a political leader who stood to be counted when it mattered.
“He stood on the side of the people and worked assiduously for the liberation of the down trodden.
“He was a leader who lived and worked for others.
“We shall miss his fatherly counsel. We shall miss his candour. We shall miss his humility. We shall miss his robust political debate. He was one of our brightest and focused political leaders.
“Saraki has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“The nation has lost one of her best and fertile minds”.
As a former Lawmaker, Mark had held strongly that Saraki was outstanding and was a figure to reckon with as far as legislation is concerned.
Mark said that Saraki had left a remarkable political legacy, and the only way he can be remembered would be by emulating all his good virtues as a political giant.
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