Saraki will not defect, says spokesperson

• Senate president tasks youths on leadership
• Promises to lead delegation to Aare Ona Kankanfo’s installation
Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Sulyman Buhari, has dismissed insinuations that Senate President Bukola Saraki may defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This followed insinuation that the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, may signal a return of those who earlier defected to the APC. But the APC spokesman told The Guardian in Ilorin that it was a mere rumor, adding that nothing of such would happen.He said: “I am happy that it has been called a rumour and it should remain as such. The Senate President is a committed member of the APC project. Besides, he never discussed any issue like that with us.

“As the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the party in the state, I should be in a better position to know this. Please help us to tell the whole world that Saraki is not leaving the APC. It is a wicked rumour that should be attacked.”Another source added: “Saraki, our leader here in Kwara State will not want to be seen as a disloyal person, as he holds party loyalty in very high esteem.”

The rumour had it that there is already a division in the state chapter of the PDP, over which side would front for Saraki, if he decides to defect to the party.The suspicion is fuelled by the alleged refusal of the faction loyal to Sunday Fagbemi to recognise Iyiola Oyedepo, who was elected as the party chairman at the congress election in Ilorin.

Also reacting, Oyedepo said: “I have no information and that is not of importance to us.” Fagbemi added: “Sincerely speaking, I don’t know and I think it is all a speculative thing.”Meanwhile, Saraki has charged youths to take up the challenge of leadership to reinvigorate the country and position it in its rightful place among the comity of nations.

He made the appeal yesterday while receiving the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Gani Adams, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.He expressed delight at the appointment of Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, noting that his determination and commitment to the promotion of culture and tradition elevated him to the position.

He also cited Adams’ love for the Yoruba race and the country, which he said, contributed to give him the deserved appointment.Saraki said: “The national Coordinator of the Yoruba militia group, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) is not a stranger to me. I have known him for long, especially when I was the Governor of Kwara State, when he often visited the state for several cultural and people-oriented events.

“I assure you that I will lead the delegation of the members of the Senate to Oyo on your installation day.”The Aare Ona Kankanfo designate, commended the courage, which Saraki had displayed since he emerged as president of the senate in the last two and a half years.

He commended the political wisdom, which he has been deploying in the affairs of the upper chamber.“We have witnessed a lot of activities of different senate presidents since 1999, but the way and manner you have approached issues are excellent.“You have transformed and repackaged the image of the legislative arm of government in Nigeria,” Adams added.