24th September, 2015
Bukola Saraki’s unbeaten run in Kwara State seems to have come to an end. Nigeria’s Senate President was dealt a crucial home loss during this year’s Eid celebration in Kwara State.
Just few days after he went through a humiliating trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja over allegations of false declaration of assets, protesting worshippers in Ilorin, Kwara state, were unsparing today as they threw assorted missiles in his direction at the Eid praying ground, tearing down an iron-barricade meant to shield him and other dignitaries.
Saraki had ruled the state between 2003 and 2011 and left a protege, AbdulFatah Ahmed, in charge since then.
Witnesses said the missile throwers were protesting about the non-payment of outstanding salaries, with some alleging that the bailout funds were being used for “Abuja politics”
A report by The Cable said Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Emir of Ilorin, Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister of sport; Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former acting national chairman of the PDP, and Razak Atunwa, former speaker of the House of Assembly were all in the VIP area of the Eid that was stoned by the protesters.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, observed his prayers at home in Share local government.
Government debunked the idea that the protest was motivated by delayed salaries and suggested it was engineered by some political forces.
A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Muideen Akorede, said the majority of state and local government workers, including primary school teachers, had received their salaries.
He said others would be paid next week after the public holidays.