LEADERS OF APC: Few days ago the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu fired the first salvo at Senator Bukola Saraki that he left APC for PDP because of his presidential ambition in 2019.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki in a statement made available to SOJWORLD.COM said Asiwaju Bola Tinubu would rather support Buhari on the hospital stretcher to get a second term because in 2023 power will shift to the Southwest.
Saraki went further; “During those meetings [between Tinubu and Saraki], the point of disagreement between Tinubu and me is that while I expressed my worries that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-West. This viewpoint of Tinubu’s was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest,†Saraki said in a statement he personally signed and released on Monday.
“It is clear that while my own decision is based on protecting the collective national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies of the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023. This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency — particularly when one reviews his antecedents over the years.â€
Saraki also said his “uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu†has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when he and other leaders of the APC “opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 pollsâ€.
“It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time he has been very active; plotting at every point to undermine me, both within and outside the National Assembly,†he added.
READ ALSO: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu reacts to the defection of Tambuwa, Saraki, others to PDP
“It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources.
“Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic ticket, oil block and other benefits.
“I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody.
“My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.
“It should be known that Democracy is a system which allows people to freely make their choice. It is my choice that I have decided to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections.
READ ALSO: I will not leave All Progressives Congress, APC – Hon. Yusuf Lasun
“Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfill their aspirations.â€
www.sojworld.com © August 21, 2018
Leave a Reply