Senate Wants Airport Named After Saraki

The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to rename the Ilorin International Airport after the Second Republic Senate Leader, Senator Olusola Saraki.

The Senate also resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family, the government and people of Kwara State.

The Senate’s resolution followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and seconded by Senator Simeon Ajibola (PDP- Kwara) on the demise of Saraki.

Ndoma-Egba noted that Saraki’s negotiating skill helped to achieve the consensus witnessed in the Senate during the Second Republic.

In his contribution, Senator Abdul Ningi ( PDP- Bauchi) described Saraki’s sense of philanthropy as “legendary.”

“I think it would be very difficult to find anybody to replace Saraki in the mind of his people,” he said.

Also speaking,James Manager (PDP- Delta) said Saraki left an indelible footprint that was unmatched in the political history of Nigeria.

“He was visibly the most popular politician to have come from that part of the country, ‘’ he added.

Similarly, Danjuma Goje ( PDP- Gombe) urged Nigerian leaders to emulate his spirit of generosity.

“He used his resources and connections to touch the lives of Kwara people and Nigerians.

“That’s how leaders should live their lives by using their resources to benefit the masses,” he said.

Also, Chris Anyanwu (APGA- Imo) described the late Saraki as a ‘master negotiator’ whose approach to politics was worthy of emulation by politicians.

“He was one of the most effective politicians with a fine approach to politics. He is a politician that all of us should adopt as a role model.

Chris Ngige (ACN- Anambra) said that beyond politics, Saraki also contributed immensely to the growth of the medical profession in Nigeria.

“Saraki saw politics as a hobby while his focus always remained on the pursuit of his medical practice. We should ask the Federal government to name a monument after him.”

Sola Adeyeye (ACN- Osun) said he has great respect for Saraki’s exemplary sense of honesty and tolerance.

“Saraki exemplified the truth that there are good people in every part of the country.

“He came from a devout Islamic background but married a Christian woman and did not force her to convert to Islam,” he stressed.