Code of Conduct Tribunal: It’s been three tough years ―Saraki

ABOUT 10 days after the Supreme Court acquitted him of allegations of false asset declaration instituted against him by the federal government, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, was on Tuesday received by a tumultuous crowd of supporters in Ilorin, his hometown.

The supporters of the Senate President, who had converged at the Ilorin International Airport as early as 8:00 am waited for about eight hours at adjourning surroundings of the area to await his arrival at some minutes after 4:00 pm.

Motorists and other road users had a hectic time on the Ilorin-Ogbomosho road, as the supporters lined both sides of the road with vehicles stretching for about five kilometres, while they kept themselves alive with dance and music from various live bands.

The Senate President was accompanied on the flight by Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, former Speaker of the state Assembly and chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Razaq Atunwa as well as a former presidential spokesman, Dr Doyin Okupe.

Speaking with journalists, Saraki described his three-year legal battle as tough but expressed satisfaction that his followers were steadfast and never doubted his innocence as he had told them severally.

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While dodging the question on what he will do overpressure by some of his followers to lead them out of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Senate President only asked newsmen, not to ‘worry’ over the matter.

“Don’t be in haste, I will call at a time and time will tell”, he said.

On his trial and the visit, he said: “It’s been a long journey for all my people in the state, and today we thank the Almighty God for this. I want to thank all of them who did not at any time waiver. They believe in my innocence and supported me throughout those three very tough years and it was a great feeling for all of us.

“It is my first homecoming to thank them all, the royal fathers and religious leaders, for the support they have given me and the victory and for the fact that the truth prevailed and justice was done. Today is a day for me to visit and more importantly thank the people for the support they have given for years.

“As I always say time will come for everything, a time will come I will tell people where I am, what I’m doing. For now, it is just to thank the people of the state because the last three years have been tough and they are still committed and remain steadfast and I have to appreciate that. I appreciate that.”