Date: 2015-05-13

A socio-cultural organisation known as Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) yesterday urged political leaders and groups in the country to consider Senator Bukola Saraki for the seat of Senate President.

IEDPU said its support for Senator Saraki was not borne out of any ulterior political motive but on the former governor's antecedents.

Addressing reporters in Ilorin, President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi said that Kwara and Kogi state have not been opportune to occupy the exalted position.

Alhaji Adi added that: "We are therefore deeply concerned that within Northern political arrangement to which Ilorin Emirate squarely belongs with all commitment and loyalty, the area is continuously being marginalized for unspecified reasons.

"The present North Central Zone comprises the old Kwara, old Benue Plateau and part of old North Western state (within the old 12 state structure). While the old Benue Plateau has produced the longest serving head of state, three senate presidents including the incumbent, the small part of old North-Western state (now Niger) has produced two heads of state, it is only Kwara state which makes up Kwara and Kogi that has not been fortunate.

<>"For the purpose of clarity, our support for Senator Saraki is not politically sponsored but borne out of our conviction that he is eminently qualified and can serve the nation creditably well. Such support will always be extended to any other indigene of the emirate in similar circumstances irrespective of political affiliation.

"This is our honest position and we therefore call on all and sundry to support this stand in the interest of national cohesion."

IEDPU president added that the senator is noted for fairness, equity and adherence to principle in political offices.

Reeling out the former governor's qualities, Alhaji Adi said "he successfully governed his heterogeneous state for eight years during which he performed creditably well as chairman of governors' forum. Indeed, it was due to his administrative sagacity and political dexterity that the novel body became glamorous, enviable to the extent that its chairmanship has become competitive.

"The former governor of the state like his father, is a bridge builder, highly detribalized and a listening politician. On different occasions, the union has had cause to disagree with government policies at the state level and the gentleman had regularly shown understanding and maturity in handling such matters."