Date: 2014-09-07

The wife of the immediate past governor of Kwara State,Mrs Toyin Saraki, has advanced reason why she supported her husband’s defection to the All Progressives Congress. Mrs Saraki said her husband’s decision was inspired by God and the wish of the people.

The founder of the Wellbeing Foundation said she was satisfied that her husband’s decision was in the best interest of the suffering Nigerian masses.

The former first lady, flanked by her husband spoke with newsmen in Ilorin on Saturday during her 50th birthday celebration.

The national chairman of APC, Chief Odigie Oyegun led several APC chieftains including Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), among other chieftains to the ceremony. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed played the role of the chief host.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal led scores of his colleagues to the ceremony.

Oyegun used the occasion to thank Mrs Saraki for supporting what he called the courageous step of Saraki in joining APC.

Saying that APC remains the only party that can salvage the country and return it to the path of greatness, Oyegun sued for the support of Nigerians in the next year’s general election.

He said that the party is determined to salvage the current situation in the country and give Nigerians a truly visionary and progressive leadership.

The highly elated Mrs. Saraki said her husband’s decision to join APC was not driven by selfish desire.

She said, “I trust my husband. I believe that my husband is inspired by God and listen to the wishes of the people and so I will always support him as long as he is with the people.”

She was, however, full of praises for the people of Kwara State and other Nigerians who turned out en masse to celebrate the golden jubilee with her.

“I thank Almighty God and I thank the wonderful and good people of Kwara State who allowed me into their heart, their home, the community and I thank God that we are all united for the development of Kwara state and the country at large.”

Also speaking, Saraki said he is humbled by the large presence of the crème-de-la-crème especially in the APC and captains of industry such as Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola who trooped to the state for the sake of his wife.

He also spoke on the recent statement by the state APC that there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant, saying the decision equally applies to him.
“We never planned it (the birthday) like this, the turnout has really humbled us. We feel very humble and we are very grateful to God for the blessing because all the people of Kwara state and Nigeria at large have come to share this special day with us.

On the APC statement, he said, “It is not strange. I think what they are saying is that anybody that has interest can aspire but you know aspiration also must be within reason. You have never been a councillor before and you now say you want to go to House of Representatives or you want to be governor. I think what they are saying is that you must have contributed to the community; people who are in one position and help people would go along way in being a favourite choice in APC. We are not discouraging anybody but again it should be in reason, people must know what they are aspiring for and know their contribution to society.”