As the demolition of the Saraki-owned Old People’s home beside the civil service clinic by the Kwara State government clocks a year, a media aide to the former President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said despite the demolition of Ile Arugbo as popularly called, the philanthropic vision behind its creation lives on.
The AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration had on second of January, 2020, demolished the popular Ile-Arugbo owned by the Saraki patriarch, Olusola Saraki, arguing that the land acquisition did not follow due process. The matter subsequently became a subject of litigation.
In an article written to commemorate the day, the Press Officer (Home Matters) at Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, expressed sadness that the present administration allowed itself to be beclouded by family difference and political rivalry.
He also expressed concern that a pure act of benevolence by the late patriarch, sustained by his children to make masses life better has suffered several unfounded claims at the expense of the aged people who are the sole beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture.
He, however, stressed that Saraki in his usual nature, remains undeterred and unshakeable in the quest to prevail over challenges and sacrifice endlessly to ensure a better living for his people.
While noting that politics and governance are beyond the government house, Abdulqadir explained that community development can only be achieved through collective efforts.
The spokesperson, who argued that the interest of the people must be above personal or political differences, said the philanthropic gesture of the Sarakis have been vindicated, having informed the call for the privileged in the society to assist government in making the life of the masses better.
He said “despite the dismissal from affairs of the state, the Sarakis still hold the people of the state dearly” and will continue in the commitment to make Kwara the envy of the nation.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has again made provision for food items and money to be distributed to the aged people in their respective homes.
The former Kwara state governor and scion of the late Kwara political leader, continued to reach out to the aged and vulnerable people despite the demolition of Ile-Arugbo at their various domains.
