R-APC: Saraki debunks reports of ‘juicy offers’

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has debunked speculations of offers being made to him by the Presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) 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 that 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 vice, Yemi Osinbajo and four APC governors allegedly met on Thursday with Saraki on the grievances of R-APC and some other members.

Oshiomhole was also said to have met individually with Saraki, Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, governors of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom of Benue.

He was also reported to have met with former governor of Kano state, Sen. 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, Saraji 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, 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.”

He added that whatever had happened to him in the past had passed, saying “now that God in his infinite mercy has vindicated me, I have moved on, believing that we have all learnt our lessons.

“As I said in my statement following the Supreme Court judgment on July 6, I cannot hold any grudge against any individual.

“I have forgiven all those, who played one role or the other in my persecution and likewise, I have asked for forgiveness from all those that I wronged in the past.

“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.

“We will be insulting Nigerians if, as the 2019 elections draw nearer, our deliberations are about personal benefits or how to pay compensation for wrongs done to an individual.

“As for my political future, we just need to continue to engage with others, listen to advice and exchange ideas because the decision is not that of mine alone.

“It is for all our supporters and associates to deliberate upon and take a decision based on the overall interest of our people.

“It is my prayers that Almighty God will guide us right in all our decisions and make a positive turn-around in our country.”