Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari of harassing and intimidating him due to his opposition to Buhari’s excessive borrowing practices.
Saraki claims that during his tenure, the Nigerian elite and public remained passive, which he believes has negatively impacted subsequent Senate Presidents.
He suggests that his successors have become subservient to the executive to avoid similar treatment.
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Speaking at the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) reunion in Houston, Texas, Saraki argued that no Senate President would want to endure the intimidation he faced, leading to a “rubber stamp” legislature.
He attributed Nigeria’s political problems to unprepared leaders and professionals who avoid politics, labeling it “dirty.”
Saraki’s tenure (2015-2019) was marked by a contentious relationship with Buhari, stemming from his controversial election as Senate President against the APC’s preferred candidate, and escalating with legal challenges and his defection to the PDP.
He faced impeachment attempts and legislative-executive gridlock. He contrasted his experience with the perceived compliance of his successors, like Ahmad Lawan and Godswill Akpabio.
“The legislature under my leadership was silenced, harassed, assaulted, bullied, and blackmailed,” Saraki stated, blaming a “failure of followership” for the current state of the National Assembly. He criticized the building of “strong men and women” over institutions.
He argued that many leaders lack clear policies and rely on “government scammers.” He urged Nigerians to actively participate in politics, support capable candidates, and hold leaders accountable.
Saraki lamented Nigeria’s failure to fulfill its potential, despite individual Nigerian successes globally.
He questioned the lack of effective leadership and attributed it to the absence of “best hands and heads” in politics and passive followership.
He stressed the need for intentional leadership and well-designed policies and urged his peers to reject the notion that politics is “dirty” and to become more involved in governance.
He cited his achievements as Kwara State governor as an example of deliberate leadership.
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