President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has debunked reports that some juicy offers were made to him by the Presidency and leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to prevent him from defecting.
The report followed a meeting President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some APC governors held with Saraki behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
At the meeting, it was reported, some juicy offers were made to Saraki to make him stay back in the APC, particularly in view of the overtures being made to him by the leading opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party.
But in a statement issued by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyoni, Saraki said the reports were untrue.
According to him, the discussions were not about individuals but what would benefit the people of the country.
He said the discussions were about the future of the country and its democracy and that it would be myopic for anybody to be talking about whether certain offers had been made to an individual or if such offers would be accepted or not.
He said it would be unfair to reduce the talks to issues bordering over promise of money or oil block and nomination tickets.
His words: “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 the leadership of All Progressives Congress (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 these discussions are not about me. Whatever has happened to me in the past has passed. 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 Judgement on July 6, I cannot hold any grudge against any individual. I have forgiven all those who played any role 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, stop the spate of insecurity, 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.”
