A Strong Appeal to Dr Bukola Saraki!

Olarinoye Tunde,

I wish to respectfully appeal to Dr. Bukola Saraki to reconsider and withdraw his reported petition against the conferment of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank on the Attorney General of Kwara State,

Barrister Senior Suleiman.
For those who are familiar with Kwara’s political history, it is no secret that there has been a long-standing rivalry between the Saraki family and the family of the late legal icon, Chief Kunle Suleyman.

However, I believe that history should not continue to define the future of our state or influence professional recognition where merit is involved. Kwara deserves a new chapter built on reconciliation, maturity, and the ability to rise above old political differences.

I must confess that I was never an admirer of Dr. Bukola Saraki’s political style for many years. However, the realities of the present administration have compelled many Kwarans, including those of us who once opposed him politically, to reassess the past. The current atmosphere of governance, which many perceive as lacking transparency, inclusiveness, and tolerance for dissent, has made many appreciate certain qualities that existed in previous administrations.

Many of us actively participated in the O To Ge movement with the sincere hope of enthroning a government that would be more accountable, just, and people-oriented. Sadly, many of those who laboured for that political change now find themselves on the sidelines. What began as a collective struggle has, in the opinion of many, gradually evolved into a system where only a few voices matter, while constructive criticism is often viewed with hostility rather than accepted as a necessary ingredient of democracy.

It is against this background that I make this humble appeal to Dr. Bukola Saraki. Your Excellency, your contributions to the political development of Kwara State are undeniable. You mentored and produced many of the prominent political leaders the state has today. For that reason, I would be disappointed to see you take a step that could be perceived as hindering the professional advancement of a young Kwaran.

Whether one agrees with Barrister Senior Suleiman’s actions in government or not, he occupies a public office and is expected to carry out the policies of the administration he serves. As the saying goes, he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

His professional aspiration should, in my humble opinion, be considered separately from the political disagreements surrounding the present government.

I therefore respectfully urge Dr. Bukola Saraki to withdraw the petition and allow the appropriate authorities to determine the SAN appointment strictly on its merits. Such a gesture would further reinforce your image as a statesman who places the collective interest of Kwara State above personal or political differences.

The people of Kwara are politically conscious, and they can clearly distinguish between different eras of governance. They have witnessed how political actors have, at various times, been sidelined, humiliated, or diminished. Ultimately, history will judge every leader by how they exercised power and how they treated both friends and opponents.

Let me also state clearly that this appeal is entirely personal. I have no personal relationship with Barrister Senior Suleiman and have neither met nor spoken with him since he assumed office as Attorney General.

This is therefore not an attempt to defend or promote him. Rather, it is a sincere appeal rooted in the belief that leaders of Dr. Bukola Saraki’s stature should be remembered for lifting people up, not for being perceived as standing in the way of another person’s professional growth.

Finally, democracy remains the ultimate judge of political strength. The true popularity and influence of every political leader will always be tested through free, fair, and credible elections. In the end, it is the people who will decide who truly commands their confidence and who has earned a place in the history of Kwara State.