Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki returned today to a tumultuous welcome to Ilorin, his hometown, some ten days after the Supreme Court cleared him of allegations of false asset declaration instituted against him by the federal government.
As early as 8.00am supporters of the Senate President had visited the Ilorin international airport and it’s adjourning surrounding to await his arrival. Motorists and other road users had a hectic time on the Ilorin-Ogbomosho road, as Saraki’s supporters lined both sides of the road with vehicles stretching for about five kilometers.
Although Saraki’s flight didn’t arrive until about 4.17pm, the supporters kept themselves alive with dance and music from various live bands. He 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 former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe.
While taking questions from newsmen, Saraki described his three-year trial as tough but expressed satisfaction that his followers never doubted his innocence as he had told them severally.
But he refused to comment on what he will do overpressure by some of his followers to lead them out of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He only asked newsmen not to ‘worry’ or ‘push’ him over the matter.
“As I said, don’t worry, don’t push me, I will call at a time and I will tell Nigerians”, he said.
On his trial and the visit he said: “It’s been a long journey for all my own 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 waver. 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 for all 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 and i have to appreciate that. I appreciate that.”
