One of the standout qualities of Dr Saraki’s leadership was his genuine concern for the people of Kwara. He consistently sought to make his constituents and appointees happy, ensuring their well-being and satisfaction. This level of care and empathy is a rare quality in today’s political landscape.
By Abdulrahman ALIAGAN, Abuja
Dr Abubakar Olubukola Saraki commemorates his 61st birthday today, the 19th of December, 2023. Nature has therefore, naturally presented another time of opportunity to reflect on his illustrious political journey, commendable achievements, the prospects and challenges that lie ahead.
Without any doubt, through his years of service and leadership, Saraki has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape and continues to shape its future.
Political Journey:
Dr Saraki’s political journey showcases his commitment to public service and his ability to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics. With the commencement of modern democracy in Nigeria in 1999, Bukola began his political career in the year 2000 as he was appointed by the former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo as Special Assistant to the President on Budget, from where he was elected as the Governor of Kwara State, a position he held for two consecutive terms, in year 2003 to 2011, Dr Saraki, without any doubt left an enduring legacy of progressive and transformative governance that is yet to be beaten.
His leadership skills were further recognized when he was elected as the President of the 8th National Assembly, where he displayed exceptional legislative acumen and a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
His tenure as Governor of Kwara State was characterised by remarkable leadership. He displayed a keen sense of responsibility, working tirelessly to improve the lives of the people he served. His commitment to welfare and the upliftment of the masses was evident in his approach to governance. Dr Saraki’s ability to balance the expectations of his constituents and various stakeholders was truly commendable.
One of the standout qualities of Dr Saraki’s leadership was his genuine concern for the people of Kwara. He consistently sought to make his constituents and appointees happy, ensuring their well-being and satisfaction. This level of care and empathy is a rare quality in today’s political landscape. Dr Saraki’s dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his discreet inspections of construction sites and his commitment to ensuring that funds allocated for housing were effectively utilized. This exemplified his hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to delivering tangible results.
Furthermore, Dr Saraki’s leadership fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among his team. His administration encouraged teamwork, peer review, community engagement, and a robust feedback mechanism, all of which contributed to effective governance and service delivery. This inclusive approach ensured that the voice of the people was heard and accounted for. Unfortunately, these practices seem to have diminished in the current administration, highlighting the significance and impact of Dr Saraki’s leadership.
Record of Achievements
Dr Saraki’s track record of achievements is commendable and highlights his dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people. His tenure as Governor of Kwara State witnessed significant strides in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development. He invested in human capital development through the establishment of the Kwara State University and prioritized healthcare by expanding access to quality services. During his time as Governor Kwara exited the Educational Less Developed status. Cultism was stamped out in all higher institutions in Kwara state. His initiatives in agriculture and infrastructure improved food security and enhanced socio-economic growth in the state.
Saraki as Governor of Kwara state
From 2003 to 2011, Dr Saraki introduced numerous policies and implemented initiatives that positively impacted the lives of residents. Key achievements of his administration include:
Saraki prioritized education by focusing on infrastructure development, teachers training, and enhancing access to quality education. The integration of technology in schools and the establishment of the Kwara State University (KWASU) highlighted his commitment to human capital development.
Under his leadership, the state’s healthcare system experienced significant improvement. Dr Saraki invested in the upgrade and construction of hospitals and primary healthcare centers, making healthcare accessible to rural communities. The introduction of the Community Health Insurance Scheme ensured affordability and increased coverage for the population. This template was later adopted by all other states of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
Recognising the importance of agriculture for economic growth, Dr Saraki implemented initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on oil revenue. He facilitated partnerships with international organizations, provided farmers with necessary equipment, and incentivized agricultural investments through policies and programs.
Understanding the need for quality infrastructure, Dr Saraki invested in road construction, water supply systems, electricity, and urban development projects. His administration’s efforts significantly improved transportation, access to clean water, and urban planning in Kwara State.
President of the 8th National Assembly
His role as the President of the 8th National Assembly, it becomes more evident that he has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Dr Saraki’s strategic leadership and legislative acumen during his tenure as the President of the 8th National Assembly (2015-2019) enhanced the functioning of Nigeria’s democracy. Noteworthy achievements during his time include:
Dr Saraki skillfully navigated the National Assembly to pass crucial bills, such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act, among others. These acts have had a positive impact on Nigeria, particularly in amplifying youth participation in politics and boosting the economy.
It is instructive to note that Saraki prioritised legislative oversight, by ensuring that the executive branch of the government remained accountable. He championed the fight against corruption by supporting anti-corruption agencies and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.
He engaged with Civil Society organizations to foster a robust relationship by opening channels of dialogue and collaboration. He regularly engaged citizens through town hall meetings and utilised their input to shape legislative decisions and policies. One of the notable ones is his identification with textile industry with his support of using locally made products, particularly fabrics in textile industry. He did not only supported it, he equally demonstrated it by taking the delivery of 29 locally made fabrics he ordered for from Adics Designs Limited when he visited Made-in-Aba trade fair as the Senate President.
Throughout his tenure, Dr Saraki championed gender equality and women’s empowerment, advocating for increased representation and opportunities for women in politics and governance.
His commitment to good governance, his selflessness, and his empathetic leadership style make him a valuable asset to Nigerian politics. His leadership qualities inspire and challenge other political aspirants to prioritize the welfare and satisfaction of the people they serve.
Prospects:
As Dr Saraki marks his 61st anniversary, the prospects for his future political endeavors are promising. His vast experience, proven leadership skills, and deep-rooted understanding of Nigeria’s political dynamics position him as a formidable player in the country’s political arena. Saraki’s visionary approach and commitment to inclusive politics offer hope for positive change and progress in Nigeria. He has the potential to continue making significant contributions to the nation’s development, particularly in the areas of governance, policy formulation in both legislative and executive leadership.
Challenges:
While the prospects are bright, there are challenges that Dr Saraki may encounter in his future political endeavors. Nigerian politics can be fiercely competitive and polarised, with various factions and interests at play. Building coalitions and garnering support across different regions and political divides may prove challenging. However, with his experience, resilience, and strategic thinking, Saraki is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
As Dr Bukola Saraki celebrates his 61st anniversary, his political journey thus far is worthy of celebration and reflection. His achievements as Governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th National Assembly are testimonies to his dedication and effectiveness as a political leader. The prospects for his future political endeavors are promising, but not without challenges. As he embarks on the next chapter of his political journey, we wish Dr Bukola Saraki continued success, strength, and wisdom in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.