Various political parties, interest groups, notable politicians and state governors have sent their condolences to the Saraki family and people of Kwara State.
While the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described his passage as the loss of a political guru and the beginning of the gradual extraction of the last Mohegan, opposition party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said the late politician would be missed by all in the political battlefield.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also described Dr. Saraki as a “colossus who possessed an efficient political machinery that he used effectively to rally the people.”
”Dr. Saraki defined his era, and since his entry into politics several decades ago, politics has never been the same again, especially in his native Kwara state, where he became synonymous with the politics of the state” the party stated.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola in his reaction, titled “the nation has lost a colourful compassionate politician”, stated that “indeed, Nigeria has lost a political giant whose counsel is most certainly needed, particularly at this period when our budding democracy is cutting its teeth and taking its challenging steps towards consolidation.”
Meanwhile, the PDP likened the death of the Second Republic Senate Leader, to the “gradual extinction of the last of the Mohegians.”
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh said Nigeria has lost a political guru and a Titan who compared in every respect with the generation of the independent Nigerian leaders.
“Here was a fine medical doctor, philanthropist, humanist and an astute politician. Here, most importantly was a game changer, a man who changed the destiny of his people. Like the great Zik of Africa, like Ahmadu Bello and like Awo, he was.”
Also, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State over the demise, describing it as the “exit of a titan.”
A statement signed by the chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Muazu Aliyu, the forum noted that “the fact that the Dr Saraki passed on at a time of increasing intolerance in the country makes his death more painful, considering his leading role in ensuring peace and unity in Kwara State, the North and Nigeria as a whole.”
