Most recently, he led to the Nigerian Senate to Russia where he made a case for both countries, signalling a readiness to have fruitful ties. Making the presentation there, he said, inter alia, “For one, Russia is currently one of the destinations where young Nigerians are trafficked for sexual exploitation. This is a worrying phenomenon for both our countries, and we should develop common strategies for tackling the problem. We look to Russia to join us in building stronger collaboration for the fight against this common enemy.
“Terrorism, most significantly in the shape of the Boko Haram sect, has continued to pose a serious challenge to the internal security of Nigeria. Russia should reckon with Nigeria as the central area of focus in Africa, and take a more serious view of its longstanding ties to our end of the world.
“With Russia and Nigeria projected to be the biggest economies in Europe and Africa respectively in just three decades from now, it would be a travesty if we did not strive to strengthen cooperation and partnership to reap the gains in terms of GDP growth.
“Ours is the second largest film industry in the world; and contemporary Nigerian music has gone global. I would not be surprised if Nigerian stars like Timaya, WizKid, Davido or Tiwa Savage are selling out concert halls in Moscow or St. Petersburg very soon, as they have been doing in major cities around the world.
“If anything, we have already won the battle of the football jerseys; the Super Eagles kit is an instant classic, a coveted collector’s item, universally acclaimed as the best national kit in Russia 2018.
“Naturally, the entire Nigerian nation is behind our team, optimistic for a sterling performance in the rest of the tournament and confident that our boys will now produce the sleek moves to match the sleek looks.”
The growing call in some quarters to have him contest for the 2019 presidential election comes from a section of the polity that believes in his capacity to do the needful for the country. Such argue that following his impressive outing as governor of Kwara State between May 2003 and May 2011, the avalanche of awards both locally and internationally attest to this: ‘Governor of the Year’ by This Day Newspapers (2004); ‘Best Governor of the Year in Agricultural Development 2004/05’ by City People, KSNG; Leadership Award in appreciation of commitments and outstanding leadership qualities (2005); Harvard Business School Africa Club Award 2005; Kenneth Kaunda Foundation Best Governor in Africa 2006; Osun State Broadcast Corporation Man of the Year 2006; ‘African Governor of the Year in Agricultural Development’ by African Union Media Group in Pretoria, South Africa; Nigeria Referee Association Grand Patron 2007; This Day Newspaper Best Governor on Food Security 2008; ‘The Friend of Nigerian Youth; Doctor of Science and Public Administration Award’ by University of Port Harcourt for his Administration’s focus on Agriculture; Life Fellowship of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, (ANCOPSS) 2009; Outstanding Governor on Energy 2009 by the Nigerian Compass; Emerging Tiger of Nigeria (Leadership Award by This Day Newspaper) 2010; Institute of Chartered Accountants Award of Excellence 2010; Nigerian Bar Association Award of Excellence; Award of Excellence in Development of Education and Health care delivery in Nigeria by the College of Medicine, University of Lagos 2012.
On March 31, 2018, one of the nation’s media moguls, Dele Momodu, had publicly announced that Saraki would run for president, further asserting that his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu would be his vice. Momodu reportedly said that “There is no doubt that he would be a formidable force that should not be ignored because only few politicians in Nigeria today have the pedigree, the experience, the clout and the connection of Senator Saraki.
“Impeccable sources reveal that as he plots his move for the Presidency, he is said to be considering building alliances with all Nigerians of like minds.
“He is also considering using the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu as his running mate. Having already exhibited the ability to work seamlessly with politicians from the two main political parties, it is a path he can easily thread.
“Having risen to the enviable position of the number three citizen, the only place to go for the two-term Senator and former two-term governor is up! Indeed, Saraki is not new to the dynamics of power politics; he is the scion of a political dynasty that is well-known across the nation.
“He has all the criteria that a modern Nigerian president should have; he is tall, urbane, suave, charismatic, cool and collected. But behind this charm, is a man of steel who is never afraid to pursue causes that he feels are right and just.
“Saraki is one of those rare breeds who are street smart as well as book smart. This was evident when he steered his political path away from his father, and triumphed without breaking up the family or the people’s faith in his leadership abilities.
“Those who know, say he is counting on his youthfulness and ability to connect with the youths and his strategy will be to spread the “I am one of you” message and show his track record of working with young technocrats and turning them into prolific achievers.
“Of course, like everything in life, Saraki would have to navigate through thorny paths to reach the Presidential Villa, he surely has many challenges ahead.”
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In a reaction, media aid to the Senate President, Yusuf Olaniyonun, stated that ““the report is false. If it is true that he is contesting, you would have seen the report it in major dailies since last week Saturday when the news broke out on social media. But as you can see, there is nothing like that.”
While the ding dong continues and the political scheming remains, one truth remains valid that there was pressure on him to drop his presidential bid. As variously reported, plans went underway to emasculate him by arresting his associates and aides. Insinuations were equally rife that the treatment meted on Senator Dino Melaye, one of his recognised followers, was consequential of his avowed commitment to the interest of Saraki. Again, the lot of the likes of Senators Peter Nwaoboshi, Aliyu Wammako, and Rabiu Kwankwaso appeared equally threatened while sharing the bent of Melaye on the Saraki agenda.
Again, such agenda only represents what many would argue to be the larger perception of the dwindling popularity that the present oligarchy has. Since this is it, nothing therefore should stifle the growing interest of a teeming population of young adults whom Saraki represents in seeking power in the overall interest of the nation. Leadership should be judged by global standards and yardstick which in themselves reflect, among other things, performance, probity, transparency, honesty, accountability and particularly one which ascribes to the significantly growing demand of a human face. Any leadership type that lacks such closeness to the afore listed should, in its entirety, be jettisoned.
The global indices for ensuring the appreciation of leadership should not be alien to Nigeria and the country’s leadership. Saraki and a host of many other young ones should continuously muster courage in realising their leadership potential. A nation that threatens the young leadership class of its own should be pitied and helped. This is particularly important because of the success story recorded in select countries where the younger generation is given the leeway to achieve all that they desire. A country is as good as the younger generation that it parades.
Pwajok sent in this piece from Kano
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