Kwara State Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, led a delegation of victorious All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates to the palace of Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on a thank-you visit for his continued support and prayers.

He said the ruling party owed the monarch and other traditional rulers absolute respect and appreciation for their fatherly roles.

AbdulRazaq pledged to accord the traditional council the honour and support it deserves all time.

“This is a unique and wonderful day for us. We are here to show respect for the traditional institution, the main institution in Kwara State, for your support and prayers,” he said.

The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Kayode Alabi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu Danladi; Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North); Kwara Central Senator-elect and Turaki Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha; House of Representatives members-elect; House of Assembly members-elect; cabinet members; Mutawali Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq; State APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi, among others.

They were received by the Emir alongside all first class royal fathers across the state.

“From my first term, which is gradually coming to an end, we have seen the very important roles that the traditional rulers played, and we truly appreciate that. First of all, the peace and security we have. Without the peaceful environment that you create, we will not have any progress or sleep with both eyes closed. Your synergy with the security agencies has made things easier for us,” the governor said.

He added: “We are all here today to show our respect to the institution, and that is how it is supposed to be. We represent you and we will not disappoint you.”

The Emir, on his part, lauded smooth conduct of the elections, noting that the peace and safety witnessed during the exercise testified that God answered his prayers.

He congratulated the governor and others on emerging victorious.