Amid ongoing tensions, Kwara State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Saraki family, especially former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, following the death of his mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Morenike Saraki.
The revered matriarch passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
In a statement issued in Ilorin and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq urged the Saraki family to find solace in the enduring legacies left by Chief (Mrs) Saraki. He also prayed for God to repose her soul and grant the family strength during this challenging time.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also extended his condolences to the former Senate President, Dr. Saraki, mourning the loss of his mother.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari praised the late Chief (Mrs) Saraki as a wonderful mother, a great philanthropist, and a virtuous wife of the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the former Waziri of Ilorin, whose humanitarian contributions will be long remembered.
In his condolence message, issued by spokesman Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir prayed for Almighty God to repose her soul and grant the family fortitude in their time of grief.
The Agbaji community, the ancestral home of the Saraki family in Ilorin, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in sympathising with the Sarakis.
In a statement which was signed by the community’s National President, Mallam Abdulkadir Yunus Lasiele and National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alabi Tajudeen, it was stated that, “For us at the Agabaji Development Association, the demise of our Mother is not just a loss to the Sarakis’ family but to the entire Agbaji community and by extension, Ilorin and Owo towns considering her love, care and kindness that trancends all boundaries.
“In this moment of grieve, we comiserate with our leader, the former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin, Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Mr. Olaolu Saraki, the entire Sarakis’ family and the the good people of Owo over the demise of the Owo Princess.
“Mama Morenike will be remembered as a strong pillar of support, a mother who loved and raised great leaders in the persons of the former Senate President and Senator Gbemisola Saraki both whom have positively impacted on the lives of Kwarans and Nigerians.
“We are consoled by the fact that our mother, though had gone to join her late husband and strong man of Kwara politics, late Dr. Olusola Saraki (Oloyeee), the Saraki dynasty remains a reference point for generosity and breading home for quality leadership”.The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State also extended its condolences to the Saraki family. In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP described Chief (Mrs) Saraki as a pillar of support not only to her children but also to those beyond her immediate family. The party encouraged the Saraki family to take comfort in her long and impactful life, which has inspired generations.”
Meanwhile, the opposition PDP in the state also condoled the former Senate President, Saraki over his loss.
A statement issued in Ilorin by the party which was signed by the Publicity Secretary of PDP, Hon. Olusegun Olusola Adewara described the late matriarch as a strong pillar of support, not only for Dr. Saraki and her other children but also for those beyond her immediate family.
The party urged Saraki to find strength in the knowledge that she lived an impactful life and to an advanced age, knowing fully well that she raised her children to global heights such that the whole world is benefiting from her great motherhood.
The party further prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the departed matriarch and grants her a befitting place in paradise.
Hameed Shittu, Chioma Kalu
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