10 Governors To Attend Sacked Bolaji Abdullahi's Reception

THE immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday faulted President Goodluck Jonathan for sacking Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi as sports minister.

He was sad that the presidency could sacrifice competence for sheer politics.

Abdullahi was dropped last Wednesday for what the presidency sources described as his refusal to openly identify with President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 elections, and for his closeness to Senator Saraki.

He had reportedly told the chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state that he” is not a politician.”

He was, at the time of his sack, outside the country on official assignment.

Notwithstanding, a grand reception awaits the ex-minister in Ilorin, his home town with no fewer than 10 state governors and eminent Kwarans expected to attend.

The date and scope of the reception were being worked out at press time.

But Saraki, who broke his silence on Abdulahi’s sack in response to an enquiry, said the ex-minister had always been a professional right from his time as a commissioner under his administration between 2003 and 2011.

He said: “It is shameful that Bolaji Abdullahi was relieved of his duty as minister mainly because of politics and certainly not for non performance.

“It is disappointing that in the interest of politics we have compromised competence, and invariably denied our nation the progress it deserves.

“I do wish Mallam Abdullahi the best of luck in his future endeavours and I am sure wherever he finds himself he will put in his very best as always with the interest of the nation at heart.”

Speaking on Abdulahi’s character, Saraki said: “I can testify that he has always been professional since he was commissioner under my tenure as Governor in Kwara State. Monumental achievements made under him are still being built upon today.

“As a fellow Kwaran, I am proud of him for showing Nigerians and the world at large what Kwarans are made of.”

He said in spite of the sack, it was difficult to write off the incredible performance of Abdullahi.

He said: “Abdullahi is a great son of Kwara with several milestones at state and national levels. His laudable achievements as Minister of Sports, which include Nigeria’s victory at the last Africa Nations Cup, performance at the Olympics, FIFA World Cup has endeared him to sport lovers and Nigerians in all works of life.”

Meanwhile, about 10 serving governors have indicated interest in the proposed grand reception for Abdullahi in Ilorin to celebrate his meritorious service to the nation.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said most stakeholders in the state have also signified interest in the rally.

“We are working out a grand reception/ rally for Abdullahi to only mark his excellent performance in office and to send a message that we should not sacrifice merit for partisan politics,” the source said.

“About 10 governors have indicated interest in the rally. If the PDP can organise unity rally, we also have the right to host merit rally.

“Contrary to the permutations of the presidency, the sack of Abdullahi will backfire for the president in 2015 in the state. Already, public opinion nationwide does not support the action of the president.”