I'll not disappoint Nigerians - Saraki

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki says he will use his position to facilitate development of Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.

Senator Saraki gave the assurance in Ilorin when he paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari in his palace shortly after he observed Jumaat prayer at Ilorin Central Mosque.

According to him, the post of number three citizen is an honour to the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State in general.

Senator Saraki noted that his emergence as the Senate President was not without challenge said the feat was a demonstration of the superiority of Almighty Allah.

He thanked the people of the state for their love, support, prayers and unity of purpose in ensuring his emergency as the Senate President.

The Senate President commended his colleagues who stood by him for standing for truth, justice and fairness during the challenging period, promising not to let them down.

Senator Saraki who was emotional in his speech remembered the contributions of his late father and former Senate Leader, Doctor Olusola Saraki to the political development of the country.

In his remarks, the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed described the Senator Saraki as a bridge builder who had built bridges across ethnic groups in Nigeria which he said culminated into his emergence as the Senate President.

Governor Ahmed maintained that Senator Saraki's new position had elevated the state into mainstream of Nigerian politics and expressed the hope that Senator Saraki would sustain his strong sense of inclusive governance in the country.

Responding, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari thanked Allah for the victory of Senator Bukola Saraki in the contest for the coveted post and prayed Allah for His guidance over the new Senate President.

The Senate President was accompanied to the Palace by Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Abdulahi Gobir and Senator Rafiu Adebayo.

Others were former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Doctor Ali Ahmad and a Chieftain of APC, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje.

Abdulrosheed Okiki reporting