Traditional rulers in Kwara State have expressed their support for the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, now facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja.
They alleged that the senator was being persecuted on the altar of politics.
Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari, led the rulers in paying homage to Saraki on Sunday. The others are: Olofa of Offa, Oba Muhammad Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye; Emir of Tsaragi, Alhaji Abdullahi Nda Pkoto; Olosi of Osi, Oba Salihu Adesofegbe; Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Sheu Muazu Umar and Alofa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada.
Gambari said Saraki is entrapped in ‘politics of persecution’, adding his trial contradicted the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Ilorin Emir said: “It would be unwise to disguise under political altar to cow perceived political enemy. We are here for good reasons and (to) bring the goodwill of the Council of Chiefs, representing all the chiefs and traditional rulers of Kwara State. We are here to join our son (Bukola Saraki) with whom we are much pleased.
“We are ready to support him. We are here to see him on the various constitutional challenges; we would not call it problem, may God not make it a problem for us.
“It doesn’t take long for a 10- year old child to realize that our dear son, our precious son is being persecuted. The politics of persecution is not the right change for Nigeria. We want change; we want it to be clean. He who seeks equity must come with clean hands. If you want equity, you, yourself must do equity.
“We want to appeal to men of goodwill that politics should not be played with bitterness. Politics should be about the unity of this country. We therefore came here to declare our unalloyed support and solidarity to our precious son,” the monarch said.
Saraki thanked the monarchs for their support and solidarity, saying:
“I am greatly honoured and at the same time humbled to receive this visit from our royal fathers in my domain. The last time I had this honour was when I was still the governor of Kwara State. There is nothing more for me to add because you have spoken. You have spoken from your years of experience as a father, and as someone who has headed a very great arm of government, the judiciary.”
“Your words of wisdom and encouragement will continue to give me great confidence. As you rightly put, it is a challenging time, not only for us the politicians, but the country generally.”