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Ex-Senate president mother dies at 89

Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has lost his mother, Florence.
Florence died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Saraki confirmed his mother’s death in a statement shared on his social media handles.
The statement read, “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
“Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”
Mourning the deceased, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, in a post on his Facebook handle on Tuesday, said she lived an impactful life.
The statement titled “Saraki Loses Mother, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki,” read, “I receive with gratitude to God a life well spent, lived impactfully, and reason to thank her creator for grace unspeakable in the life of her beloved husband, Oloye Olusola Saraki, who was one of the heroes for which we plead that their labours past will not be in vain.
“To her last lovely children among whom is the Waziri Ilorin, Abubakar Olusola Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kwara State and arguably the most dignified and independent Senate President in Nigeria in this republic.
“Princess of Owo, omo ologho, thank you for examples set in good conduct and good African values as a community leader, as a role model and as a virtuous woman for others to emulate.
“Now rest in the assurance that your beautiful legacies will be passed on through your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, through all who experience your kindness of spirit.
“My condolences to all your loved ones, especially our leader, Senator Bukola Saraki to whom this must be an irreparable loss.
“Time shared and all beautiful memories will lessen the pain of finality, that death represents. Fare hee well!”
Also mourning her death in a statement by the chairman of the ward, Abubakar Yusuf Garba, the People Democratic Party in Ajikobi Central where Saraki hails from, said she was a pillar of strength.
The statement reads, “We share in the grief and sorrow that comes with the loss of a matriarch, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light. Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki was an exemplary woman, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.
“Her unwavering support and dedication to her family, particularly her husband, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and her children, are a testament to her selflessness and devotion.”
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El-Rufai labels Tinubu’s government ‘worst in Nigeria’s history’

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as the “worst, most corrupt, and most intolerant” federal government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Speaking to journalists in Katsina on Monday night, el-Rufai accused the government of widespread dishonesty and failure to address the country’s worsening insecurity.
“This is the worst federal government in Nigerian history, and all the indices have shown it,” he said.
He charged the Tinubu administration with spreading propaganda, particularly on the security situation in the country.
“They lied that security has improved in Nigeria. They read out numbers of bandits killed except the ones we know are the leading bandits… Dogo Gide is still around, Mallam Abba… Bello Turji is still around,” he claimed.
Issues of insecurity in northern Nigeria
El-Rufai questioned how many local government areas remain under bandit control in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto, accusing the federal government of ignoring the root causes of insecurity.
He also hinted at a political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, predicting that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) would unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai was in Katsina to offer condolences to Governor Dikko Radda over his mother’s passing.
Days earlier, he had joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political figures on a unity visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna.
He later described the visit as a symbol of “unity and brotherhood.”
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