SARAKI OPENS UP ON PLOT AGAINST THE PRESIDENT

Saraki with Buhari 

Senate president Senator Bukola Saraki has denied reports by Sun newspaper linking him and the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, of plotting to oppose President Muhammadu Buhari.



Daily Sun had in the publication on Saturday, October 10, saidsecurity agencies have launched a surveillance ring around the lead­er of the ruling APC, Tinubu and others, including some members of the National Assembly, over an alleged plot against President Buhari.

Saraki, in a Facebook post on Sunday, October 11 said he and Tinubu have not had any meeting or communication since he became senate president.

Responding to the newspaper report after Tinubu had also issued a statement dismissing the report, Sarki said he does not see any basis for the newspaper report.

He equally said he recognizes Tinubu as one of the leaders of the APC who contributed so much to the victory of the party in the last election.

Saraki added that he remains loyal and committed to the APC and will do all within his power to ensure the party fulfill its promises and bring positive changes into the country.

He equally reiterated that the much anticipated heat during the ministerial screening will be avoided stressing that the screening will be done with all sense of responsibility and in adherence to the provision of the constitution.



Read Saraki’s full statement below.

“I saw the statement said to be issued by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a story published by The Sun newspapers. I have decided not to join issues with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, I know that most Nigerians are aware that there has been no meeting or communication between me and Asiwaju Tinubu since I was elected Senate President. Therefore, I do not see any basis for a newspaper to report that we are both plotting to oppose the President.

“I recognise Tinubu as one of the leaders of the APC who contributed so much to the victory of the party in the last election. Some other people also contributed and I believe the collective efforts made it possible for the first time in the history of our party for an opposition party to win the general elections,

“Let me state clearly that I remain a committed member of the APC and will do all in my power to ensure the party fulfill its promises to bring positive changes into the country.

“Since my election as Senate President, my focus and efforts have been devoted to doing the job that I was elected to do by my constituents and my colleagues in the Senate. Twice, my colleagues have confirmed their support for me as the primus inter pares in the Senate.

“As I said in my speech when we resumed from our recess late September and in Ikenne yesterday, the screening of ministerial nominees will be handled by me and my colleagues with all sense of responsibility and in adherence to the provision of the constitution. We will be fair to all and be guided by the interest of Nigeria. The screening will be devoid of sentiment and it is not an opportunity for anybody to settle scores. We are equally eager for us to make a positive difference in our polity and Nigerians will be able to judge us whether we acted in their best interest or not.”

Meanwhile, there are indications that the next batch of ministerial nominees to be named by President Muhammadu Buhari might not be out till December 2015.

The reason for this is that many top chieftains of the APC are unhappy with the president over the first batch of ministerial nominees that was recently released.