Saraki's Media Office Replies African Confidential
Re - Ambitious Men
This letter comes to directly refute the information reported in your most recent publication whereby in an article titled 'Ambitious Men' you wrote that the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was one of "those who stood against Muhammadu Buhari for the All Progressives Congress nomination in 2014". The story also mentioned erroneously that Dr. Saraki has "retained London Communications consultants Aequitas, which helped Labour Party to remake its image under Tony Blair in the mid-1990s".
First, please note that your claims above are not correct. Dr Saraki did not contest the last Presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress. Dr. Saraki publicly announced in a statement in Ilorin on October 12, 2014 that he would not contest against Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) who was then an aspirant because "some of us need to make sacrifice and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem of the party". He then declared that he would support the candidacy of the retired General. Dr. Saraki was one of the people who worked tirelessly to ensure General Buhari won the APC ticket, and the general election.
Again, contrary to the claim in your article, Dr Saraki does not retain the services of Aequitas. He formerly engaged Aequitas for strategic policy services while he was Governor of Kwara State, and Chair of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and at the initial stage of his period as Senate President. He no longer retains the services of Aequitas effective from January 1, 2017.
The Senate President has repeatedly stated that his interest now is to reform the Senate and make it an institution whose impact and relevance is felt and appreciated by the generality of the people. He has equally pledged his full support for and commitment to the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dr. Saraki has long admired the important contributions Africa Confidential has made to increasing global understanding about African affairs and policy. It is his hope that your publication can continue this fine tradition, while also paying attention to the sensitivity of the information it disseminates on current affairs in the countries of Africa.
Sincerely,
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President

noted

he atleast responded with civility,i hope our other politicians can learn a thing from his response,instead of going straight to verbal war.good one