I won’t join issues with you, Saraki tells Tinubu

Senate President Bukola Saraki says he will not respond to the scorching comments of Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), about him in recent times.

Ever since Saraki emerged head of the 8th senate, against the wish of his party, Tinubu has not hesitated to antagonise him anytime the opportunity presented itself, the latest being Sunday.

Debunking the allegation that he was conspiring with Saraki to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu made it clear that he had severed the line of communication with the senate president, saying: “Saraki may have joined the APC on paper but has remained true to the malpractices and wrong aims of the reactionary PDP in his soul”.

Responding, Saraki said he acknowledged Tinubu as one of the individuals who fought hard for the victory of the APC in the last election but that collective efforts made the party victorious.

“I saw the statement said to be issued by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a story published by … newspapers. I have decided not to join issues with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” read a statement issued by Saraki, late Sunday.

“However, I know that most Nigerians are aware that there has been no meeting or communication between me and Asiwaju Tinubu since I was elected Senate President. Therefore, I do not see any basis for a newspaper to report that we are both plotting to oppose the President.

“I recognise Tinubu as one of the leaders of the APC who contributed so much to the victory of the party in the last election. Some other people also contributed and I believe the collective efforts made it possible for the first time in the history of our party for an opposition party to win the general elections,

“Let me state clearly that I remain a committed member of the APC and will do all in my power to ensure the party fulfill its promises to bring positive changes into the country.

“Since my election as senate president, my focus and efforts have been devoted to doing the job that I was elected to do by my constituents and my colleagues in the senate. Twice, my colleagues have confirmed their support for me as the primus inter pares in the senate.

“As I said in my speech when we resumed from our recess late September and in Ikenne yesterday, the screening of ministerial nominees will be handled by me and my colleagues with all sense of responsibility and in adherence to the provision of the constitution. We will be fair to all and be guided by the interest of Nigeria. The screening will be devoid of sentiment and it is not an opportunity for anybody to settle scores. We are equally eager for us to make a positive difference in our polity and Nigerians will be able to judge us whether we acted in their best interest or not.”