Talks of offers from Buhari or APC unfortunate, Saraki says

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has debunked speculations of offers being made to him by the Presidency and All Progressives Congress to keep him in the party.

He said that though there had had been discussions on some national issues, talks of offers to him by APC leadership or President Muhammadu Buhari was not only untrue but unfortunate.

The media had reported that the Presidency and APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had made overtures to influential leaders of Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), which had stalled their planned mass defection from the party.

The  reports had said that Buhari, his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo; and four APC governors allegedly met on Thursday with Saraki, to discuss the grievances of R-APC and some other members.

Oshiomhole was also said to have met one-on-one with Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and governors of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom of Benue states.
Oshiomhole was also reported to have met with former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwakwaso; and APC caucus in the National Assembly, with a view to dousing the defection threat.

But in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Saraki said was myopic for anybody to talk about certain offers being made to an individual.
He said that the future of the country and its democracy were at stake, and not the issue of give-and-take.
Saraki said, “I saw some reports talking about promise of money or oil block and nomination tickets.
“Those viewing the ongoing development in that context are simply reducing a major national issue involving many key actors to that of personal benefits and preferences.

I believe at this point (that) it is important for me to make some clarifications, end speculations and make my position clear.
“It is important for Nigerians to know that the discussions that I and many others of like minds are having with the Presidency and leadership of APC is not about me and what I want.

“It involves the future of our country and her democracy. It is about making things better for our people.
“Though there are many speculations being peddled in the media, let it be known that these discussions are not about me.

“Our focus should now be about Nigeria. The major issue on the table for discussion is how to strengthen our democracy, rebuild our economy and stop the spate of insecurity.

“It is also to improve the conditions of living of our people and generally chart a course for the development of this great country.”

(NAN)