Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Ruqayyah Gbemisola Saraki and her older brother, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, a former Senate Presid
Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Ruqayyah Gbemisola Saraki and her older brother, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, are now back on good terms.
The Minister took time out to openly celebrate her brother who clocked 60 on Monday.
Bukola is currently in Saudi Arabia to celebrate the milestone with prayers.
Taking to his verified social media pages on Sunday to make the announcement, he wrote: “A few hours to my 60th birthday, I am in Medinah today to give thanks to Almighty Allah. Afterall, when Almighty Allah repeatedly asks us in Surah Ar-Rahman that “which of the favours of Allah will you deny?”, our answer is NONE.”
While celebrating her brother the former Kwara State governor with a throwback photo on Facebook, she wrote: “My dearest Buki, remember this, the good old days, when we were just starting out….Now it’s the big 6-0 !! Wow! How time flies. Congratulations! Happy Birthday. Wishing you greater years ahead. May Allah SWT continue to guide, protect and bless you now and always. Love, Gbems.”
This obviously signifies that both siblings have decided to bury the grudge they both held for each other for many years and have resolved to move on.
Since the demise of their late father, Senator Olusola Saraki, the siblings have not been on talking terms over political and personal issues.
Recall that Bukola vehemently kicked against the wish of their deceased father for Gbemisola to succeed him as Governor and becoming the first female State CEO in Nigeria.
Bukola then as the incumbent, used his political machinery to work against his father’s preferred candidate by supporting his long time friend and ally, Abdulfatah Ahmed to succeed him.
The duo thereafter became like night and day that never met. They threatened each other with fire and brimstone.
Their rivalry generated mixed reactions from Kwara’s political landscape as many supported Bukola who believe the governorship seat in Kwara should not be polarised to the Saraki’s alone. He gathered immense support for his preferred candidate against his father’s wishes.
Unfortunately, Gbemi lost the gubernatorial bid and knowing fully well that it was truncated by her elder sibling, she could not stomach her disappointment and disdain.
They both remained on the war path until 2018 when Gbemisola indicated her desire to contest for the Kwara Central Senatorial District, the same constituency where her brother was representing in the Senate at that time, an act which further compounded their rivalry.
They remained at loggerhead until 2020 during the celebration to mark the 8th year demise of their father.
Top Islamic clergyman, Sheikh Sulaimon Farouk Onikijipa attempted to reconcile Gbemisola and Bukola. For the first time in years, they spoke to each other and hugged. But it was only for a while.
They still remained at arms length until a few months ago when they both reunited to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of their father.
They both put aside their differences to organise the 10th memorial anniversary prayer of their late father which took place at Ilorin Juma’at Central Mosque, Ilorin, Kwara State. They cheerfully embraced each other as they got to the venue and jointly welcomed guests to the event. They also sat next to each other.
This singular act marked the first proper and genuine forgiveness they have expressed for each other in years. Coupled with Gbemisola’s recent birthday post, one can confidentially say they have successfully buried their age long hatchet and there is no doubt that their reconciliation will obviously awaken and rejig the Saraki’s political dynasty.’
