In a strongly worded statement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Caucus in Kwara Central has launched a scathing critique of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over his recent remarks concerning the escalating security challenges in Kwara State. The criticism comes in the wake of a devastating bandit attack on the Oke-Ode community, which tragically claimed the lives of several forestry guards and civilians, underscoring the gravity of the state’s security situation. The APC Caucus, through its Public Relations Officer, Mallam Suleiman Sheu AbdulSalam (popularly known as Cement), described Saraki’s comments as “unfortunate and uncalled for,” accusing him of politicizing a critical issue that affects the safety and well-being of innocent citizens.
The Caucus expressed profound disappointment in Saraki, arguing that his remarks demonstrate a failure to embody the qualities of an elder statesman or patriot. They accused him of exploiting the state’s security challenges for political gain, a move they deemed both insensitive and counterproductive. The statement, issued on behalf of the Caucus, highlighted what they described as Saraki’s “chameleonic traits,” pointing to alleged reports that he has been engaging with APC leaders in Abuja for political survival while simultaneously launching verbal attacks on the APC-led administration in Kwara State. This duality, the Caucus argued, reveals Saraki’s desperation and lack of sincerity in addressing the state’s pressing issues.
The APC Elders Caucus was unequivocal in its stance, warning that “no amount of attack or blackmail from Saraki will return Kwara to the dynasty’s black-era.” This statement alludes to the period when Saraki and his political dynasty held significant influence over Kwara’s political landscape, a time the Caucus claims was marked by stagnation and mismanagement. They further emphasized that Saraki’s attempt to leverage the state’s security challenges for political mileage would not sway the resolve of the current administration or the people of Kwara to move forward under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Contextualizing the Security Challenges
The Caucus was quick to contextualize the security issues in Kwara, noting that the challenges are not unique to the state but are part of a broader national problem that has persisted since the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umar Yar’Adua. Banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime have plagued various parts of Nigeria for over two decades, driven by a complex mix of socio-economic factors, weak governance structures in some regions, and the proliferation of arms. In Kwara, the recent attack on Oke-Ode, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by criminal elements operating in rural and forested areas.
The Oke-Ode attack, which occurred on a Sunday, sent shockwaves through the state. Armed bandits stormed the community, targeting forestry guards tasked with protecting the area’s natural resources. The assault resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including both guards and civilians, and sparked widespread outrage and calls for urgent action. For many residents, the incident highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to banditry and the need for a robust, coordinated response from both state and federal authorities.
Saraki’s Remarks and the Caucus’s Rebuttal
While the specific content of Saraki’s comments was not detailed in the Caucus’s statement, it is clear that they were perceived as critical of the current administration’s handling of the security situation. The APC Caucus took particular issue with what they described as Saraki’s “warped comments,” arguing that they were not only misleading but also an attempt to undermine the efforts of Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration. The Caucus accused Saraki of failing to offer constructive solutions or support, instead choosing to exploit the tragedy for political gain.
The statement from Mallam Suleiman Sheu AbdulSalam emphasized that Saraki’s approach was indicative of a desperate politician clinging to relevance. They pointed to his alleged overtures to APC leaders in Abuja as evidence of his inconsistency, suggesting that his public criticism of the party in Kwara was at odds with his private efforts to curry favor with its national leadership. This accusation paints a picture of Saraki as a figure torn between maintaining his political influence and navigating the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s ever-shifting political landscape.
The Caucus’s reference to Saraki’s “dynasty” is particularly telling. For decades, the Saraki family, led by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki and later his son, Bukola Saraki, dominated Kwara’s political scene. Bukola Saraki served as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011 and later as Senate President from 2015 to 2019. His influence, built on a vast political network and patronage system, made the Saraki name synonymous with Kwara politics. However, the 2019 elections marked a significant shift, as the APC, under the slogan “O to ge” (Enough is Enough), successfully challenged the Saraki dynasty’s grip on the state, with AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emerging as governor. The Caucus’s invocation of the “dynasty’s black-era” reflects the lingering resentment among some quarters toward Saraki’s past dominance and a determination to prevent its resurgence.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s Response to the Crisis
In contrast to their criticism of Saraki, the APC Elders Caucus showered praise on Governor AbdulRazaq for his proactive and decisive response to the security challenges. Following the Oke-Ode attack, the governor issued a statement condemning the incident and calling for an immediate increase in security presence in the affected areas. His administration’s swift action was met with approval from the Caucus, which highlighted several measures taken to address the state’s security concerns.
Among these measures is the recruitment of approximately 3,000 forest guards, a significant step aimed at bolstering security in rural and forested areas prone to banditry. These guards are tasked with protecting communities and natural resources, such as forests, which have become hideouts for criminal elements. The state government has also provided active support for local vigilante groups, recognizing their critical role in community-based security efforts. In a notable move, these vigilantes have been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, a gesture that not only acknowledges their contributions but also ensures their welfare.
Furthermore, the Caucus commended the state government’s collaboration with federal security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser. This partnership has facilitated coordinated efforts to track down and neutralize criminal elements operating in Kwara. The military’s response, in particular, has been robust, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Nigeria Army, Ibadan, directed to relocate to Kwara to oversee operations aimed at flushing out bandits from their hideouts. This deployment underscores the seriousness with which both the state and federal governments are addressing the security crisis.
Broader Implications for Kwara’s Political Landscape
The public spat between the APC Elders Caucus and Bukola Saraki is more than a mere war of words; it reflects deeper tensions within Kwara’s political landscape. The state has undergone significant changes since the 2019 elections, which ended the Saraki dynasty’s decades-long dominance. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has sought to consolidate its hold on the state by implementing reforms and distancing itself from the policies and practices associated with the Saraki era. The APC’s narrative of a “black-era” under Saraki’s influence is a deliberate attempt to frame the current administration as a break from the past, one that prioritizes development and security over political patronage.
Saraki, for his part, remains a polarizing figure. As a former Senate President and a prominent national politician, he continues to wield influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and beyond. His comments on Kwara’s security situation can be seen as an attempt to reassert his relevance in the state’s political discourse, particularly as the 2027 elections loom on the horizon. However, the APC Caucus’s sharp rebuke suggests that any attempt by Saraki to reclaim political ground in Kwara will face fierce resistance.
The security challenges in Kwara also highlight the broader difficulties facing Nigeria’s state governments in combating banditry and other forms of violent crime. While the Caucus was quick to point out that these issues are not unique to Kwara, the state’s proximity to Nigeria’s North-West region, a hotspot for banditry, makes it particularly vulnerable. The forested areas along Kwara’s borders provide cover for criminal gangs, who exploit the region’s terrain to carry out attacks and evade capture. Addressing this challenge requires not only state-level interventions but also sustained cooperation with federal authorities and neighboring states.
The Path Forward: Security and Political Stability
As Kwara grapples with its security challenges, the focus must remain on protecting lives and property while fostering an environment of political stability. Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has taken commendable steps to enhance security, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The recruitment of forest guards and support for vigilantes are positive measures, but their effectiveness will depend on sustained funding, training, and coordination with federal forces. The military’s deployment to Kwara is a step in the right direction, but long-term success will require addressing the root causes of banditry, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms.
Politically, the ongoing feud between the APC and Saraki risks diverting attention from these critical issues. While the Caucus’s defense of the governor is understandable, the rhetoric surrounding Saraki’s “dynasty” and “black-era” could deepen divisions within the state. For Kwara to move forward, its leaders must prioritize unity and collaboration over partisan point-scoring. Saraki, as a former governor and Senate President, has a role to play in contributing to solutions rather than fueling controversy. His experience and influence could be harnessed to advocate for federal support and resources to address Kwara’s security challenges, rather than engaging in what the Caucus perceives as divisive politicking.
Conclusion
The APC Elders Caucus’s criticism of Bukola Saraki underscores the complex interplay of politics and security in Kwara State. The tragic attack on Oke-Ode has brought the state’s vulnerabilities into sharp focus, prompting both condemnation of Saraki’s remarks and praise for Governor AbdulRazaq’s response. While the Caucus accuses Saraki of exploiting the crisis for political gain, their own rhetoric reflects the deep-seated animosity between the APC and the Saraki political machine. As Kwara navigates these turbulent times, the priority must be on strengthening security measures, fostering cooperation between state and federal authorities, and promoting a political environment that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over partisan rivalries. Only through such efforts can Kwara hope to overcome its challenges and build a safer, more prosperous future for its people.
