Date: 2015-04-14

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday relived the challenges he faced when he led his followers in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Saraki, the leader of the APC in the state, during a media chat on the landslide victory of the party, also expressed optimism that with the coming of the APC into office at the centre, there would be more funding to states and local government areas.

He also called for an investigation into the gubernatorial election in Rivers State, saying from all indications, the process fell short of the acceptable standard that have been demonstrated in other parts of the country. Saraki tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to do proper review of the state’s election and ensure that anyone found guilty of malpractices, is punished.

Obviously excited, the APC chieftain recalled that the period he stood against the Federal Government and the PDP was “fraught with intimidation, blackmail and all sorts,” for himself and other members of his political family and expressed satisfaction that he had been able to deliver all the political offices in the state despite the threats.

He said: “Everybody knew how President Goodluck Jonathan told the world that they would take Kwara State back to the PDP. Normally, under that kind of situation, when people see almighty power, people tend to desert you. But the people of Kwara did not desert us and that is why I am entirely grateful to them. They stood by us despite the threat coming from the centre. “The period was fraught with intimidation, blackmail and all sorts.

There was nothing they did not use to threaten people, but Kwara people say no and they gave us a result that is even better than 2011. In 2011, we did not have the whole 24 members of the state House of Assembly. “This victory is not only for APC, it is for Nigerians. I say this with all sincerity, because it was the determination of Nigerians and their commitment to stand for what they believed in that got us this far. “In the past, Nigerians and voters in general would not come out to vote and even when they come, it was not with conviction; they were frustrated with the process.

But this time around, it was clear that Nigerians were convinced that APC represents change and it was time and it was time for a new Nigeria. “I always believe that we are opening a new chapter in this country. Nigeria can never be the same again. I am very convinced about that; that to me is the greatest achievement.

The victory of the APC in the elections is small to me compared to that of Nigeria. “The Nigeria we are starting now is the one all of us have been wishing for. That is fantastic for all of us and for our democracy, because we will begin to see good governance. Now all our elected officers must be accountable and deliver dividends of democracy to all. Also, it will help build our political parties. It is good for our democracy,” Saraki said. He continued; “It is our honest view that we have now put in place a more credible person, who will be accountable.

There will be better funding at the both the state and local government levels and we will begin to see improvement at the state and local government levels. We have seen what has happened to the exchange rate. Just this period, the rate has appreciated by about 30 percent; that is for the fact that President Buhari is coming and APC is forming the government,” said APC chieftain.