Bukola Saraki

Early Life and Background

Abubakar Bukola Saraki was born on December 19, 1962, in London, United Kingdom, into one of Nigeria's most influential political families. His father was the late Olusola Saraki, a towering figure in Nigerian politics who served as a Senator in the Second Nigerian Republic (1979-1983) and held the traditional title of Waziri of Ilorin, making him a kingmaker in the Ilorin Emirate. His mother is Florence Saraki. Growing up in a household deeply entrenched in public service and political discourse, Bukola Saraki was exposed to the intricacies of governance and public life from a very young age. This upbringing profoundly shaped his understanding of leadership and his future trajectory in Nigerian politics. The Saraki family's political influence is particularly strong in Kwara State, where Olusola Saraki was often referred to as the 'strongman of Kwara politics,' a legacy that Bukola Saraki would later inherit and expand upon.

Education

Saraki's early education began in Nigeria, where he attended King's College, Lagos, a prestigious secondary school known for producing many of Nigeria's elite. Following his secondary education in Nigeria, he proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. He attended Cheltenham College, a renowned independent boarding school in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, where he completed his higher school certificate. Demonstrating an early aptitude for science, Saraki pursued a career in medicine. He was admitted to the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London, where he studied medicine. In 1987, he successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, qualifying him as a medical doctor. His medical training provided him with a disciplined and analytical approach that would later prove beneficial in his political career.

Career

Upon completing his medical degree, Bukola Saraki returned to Nigeria after a brief period of practice abroad. From 1988 to 1989, he worked as a Medical Officer at Rush Green Hospital in London. His career path then took a significant turn into the financial sector. From 1990 to 2000, he served as a Director of Societe Generale Bank (Nigeria) Ltd (SGBN), a bank founded by his father. This decade in banking provided him with extensive experience in finance, management, and economic policy, which would prove invaluable in his later roles in public service.

Saraki officially entered the political arena in 2000 when he was appointed by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant to the President on Budget Matters. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in the formulation and implementation of the government's economic policies and the national budget, gaining significant insight into federal governance.

In 2003, Bukola Saraki successfully contested and was elected as the Governor of Kwara State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served two consecutive terms, from May 29, 2003, to May 29, 2011. During his governorship, he implemented several reform programs in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Notably, he pioneered the Shonga Farms project, an innovative commercial farming initiative that brought in experienced white Zimbabwean farmers to boost agricultural output and create employment in Kwara State. He also focused on improving healthcare delivery, initiating several primary healthcare programs. His administration was credited with significant advancements in urban renewal and rural development.

After completing his second term as governor, Saraki was elected to the Nigerian Senate in April 2011, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District. He was re-elected in 2015. In the Senate, he quickly rose to prominence, serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology. His legislative focus included climate change and environmental protection. However, his most significant role came on June 9, 2015, when he was elected as the President of the Senate, against the wishes of his then-party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), through an alliance with opposition senators. His emergence as Senate President marked a significant power shift within the Nigerian political landscape.

As Senate President, Saraki presided over the 8th National Assembly, which was characterized by robust legislative activities and, at times, intense political struggles with the executive arm of government. Under his leadership, the Senate passed numerous significant bills, including the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which aimed to reform Nigeria's oil and gas sector, and the National Minimum Wage Bill. He championed legislative independence and accountability. He also initiated the 'Made in Nigeria' campaign to promote local production and economic diversification. In 2018, he defected back to the PDP, citing issues with the APC's leadership and commitment to good governance. He sought the PDP presidential ticket for the 2019 general election but was unsuccessful. He subsequently lost his bid for re-election to the Senate in 2019.

Major Achievements

Bukola Saraki's career is marked by several significant achievements. As Governor of Kwara State, he was lauded for his transformative initiatives in agriculture, particularly the Shonga Farms project, which became a model for commercial agriculture development in Nigeria. He also implemented comprehensive healthcare reforms and improved access to education. During his tenure as Senate President, he oversaw a productive legislative period, passing critical bills such as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) amendment, and the National Minimum Wage Bill, all aimed at economic reform and good governance. He was instrumental in promoting parliamentary openness and transparency, advocating for the independence of the legislature. His leadership of the 8th Senate is widely regarded as one of the most vibrant and independent in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, establishing a strong check on executive power.

Controversies

Saraki's political career has not been without significant controversies. One of the most high-profile was his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on charges of false asset declaration, dating back to his time as governor. The trial, which began in 2015 shortly after he became Senate President, lasted for over two years, with Saraki consistently maintaining his innocence and alleging political motivation behind the charges. He was eventually acquitted by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 2018, which dismissed all 18 charges against him. Another major controversy involved allegations linking him to the April 2018 Offa bank robbery, where over 30 people were killed. While the police invited him for questioning, he vehemently denied any involvement, and no charges were ultimately filed against him in connection with the robbery. Additionally, Saraki's name appeared in the 'Panama Papers' and 'Paradise Papers' leaks, which revealed offshore financial dealings, leading to public scrutiny regarding his financial probity and transparency.

Personal Life

Bukola Saraki is married to Toyin Saraki (née Ojora), a healthcare advocate and philanthropist. They share four children: Oluwaseni, Tosin, Olaolu, and Khalifat Saraki. Toyin Saraki is the founder and president of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, an organization dedicated to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Africa. The Saraki family is a prominent political and social force in Nigeria, with deep roots in Kwara State and beyond. Despite the demands of his public life, Saraki has maintained a close-knit family, often seen attending public events with his wife and children. He is known to be an avid sports enthusiast, particularly interested in football.

Legacy

Bukola Saraki's legacy in Nigerian politics is multifaceted. He is remembered as a dynamic and astute political strategist who successfully navigated the complex and often turbulent landscape of Nigerian democracy. As a two-term governor, he left a significant mark on Kwara State, particularly through his innovative agricultural policies and efforts to improve social services. His tenure as Senate President is often highlighted for his assertion of legislative independence and his commitment to robust oversight of the executive. He championed significant legislative reforms and contributed to strengthening democratic institutions. While his career was marked by intense political battles and controversies, his ability to rally support and lead a diverse legislative body solidified his reputation as a formidable political figure. His impact on the political consciousness of a new generation of Nigerian leaders, particularly those advocating for more independent and accountable governance, remains significant.