Saraki Made Everyone Who Worked with Him Better than He Met Them – Hon. Moshood Bakare

The PrimeTimes Nigeria Magazine Group Managing Editor, Abdulrahman Aliagan have the honour of interviewing Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Bakare, a prominent figure in Kwara State politics, on the occasion of the 61st birthday anniversary of the former and two term Governor of Kwara State, Senate President of the 8^th Assembly and Waziri of Ilorin emirate, Dr Abubakar Olubukola Saraki.

Hon. Bakare is an accomplished individual, a holder of  several educational qualifications started up his professional career as a Junior Officer Trainee at Excellence Finance Ltd, after which he joined Society Generale Bank. From there, he embarked on a political journey, serving as Executive Private Secretary and Personal Assistant to the then Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki. He was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly, representing the Omupo Constituency, for two consecutive terms from 2011 to 2015.

Hon. Bakare offers valuable insights on the legacy and impact of Dr Bukola Saraki, a respected leader and former Governor of Kwara State. Join us as we delve into the achievements, contributions, and vision of the Waziri of Ilorin as witnessed by Hon. Moshood Olanrewaju Bakare.

 How did you first get involved in Kwara State politics?

 My name is Alhaji Moshood Olarewaju Bakare, I hailed Omupo Constituency, hold several educational qualifications including a Higher National Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, Masters in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Advanced Management.

My professional career began as a Junior Officer Trainee at Excellence Finance Ltd, after which I joined Society Generale Bank. From there, I embarked on a political journey, serving as Executive Private Secretary and Personal Assistant to Dr Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Kwara State. I was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly, representing the Omupo Constituency, for two consecutive terms from 2011 to 2015. During my time in the House, I held various leadership positions, such as Chairman of the Public Account Committee, Energy, Works and Transport Committee, and later the Finance and Appropriation Committee.

With my wealth of experience and knowledge in governance and public affairs, I think I can offer valuable insights on the legacy and impact of Dr Bukola Saraki, a respected leader, former and two terms Governor of Kwara State and the President of the 8^th Assembly.

What inspired you to run and serve as a member of the State House of Assembly?

Thank you for asking about my inspiration to run and serve as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly. My journey into politics was driven by a deep sense of duty and a genuine desire to contribute to the development and progress of our dear state, Kwara.

Having grown up in Kwara State and witnessed both its challenges and its potential, I developed an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our people. I firmly believe that public service is the most effective way to bring about transformative changes that can uplift communities and empower individuals.

Moreover, my academic background and professional experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the complex issues facing our state. As a seasoned community person, I have had the privilege of interacting with diverse groups of people and understanding their needs and aspirations firsthand.

I am also deeply inspired by Dr. Bukola Saraki leadership style, his principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. I firmly believe that these principles are crucial for the prosperity of any society. I seek his consent that I want serve as a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, I gave approval of it and I am committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that the interests and voices of the people of Kwara are heard and represented effectively.

Above all, my motivation stems from a genuine passion for public service and a sincere desire to improve the well-being of the people I represent. I am dedicated to working tirelessly and collaboratively with stakeholders and fellow lawmakers to enact policies and legislation that will address the various challenges facing our state and create a conducive environment for growth, development, and prosperity.

Can you share your personal experience working with Dr Bukola Saraki during his tenure as the Governor of Kwara State?

Working with Dr Saraki was a pleasant memory; I joined him at the age of 24 years. He never looked at my age while working with him, he will asked for my opinion and views on many issues, he will give assignments and tasks that sometimes I would ask myself if I could do this, but most often he will tell me,  you can and stop acting like a baby. He literarily tutored me like a student on how to treat files, follow up with commissioners, scheduling appointments and also protocols.

I recall when Late President Yar’Adua set up Presidential Committee on Incentives, he took me along to the meeting at Abuja and told me to sit in one of the meetings and be taking notes and be asking questions. He will drag me into some high level meetings many times and honestly, it has really reshaped my life and my career till today. Each time I looked back to those days, I give thanks to God and him for the privileged and all the opportunities.

In your opinion, what are some of the major accomplishments of Dr Bukola Saraki during his time as Governor of Kwara State?

Because he came prepared, he knew what he was coming to in Kwara and followed everything to the letter. I showed him some of the pictures he took in the retreat with selected stakeholders in the State he organized in Lagos shortly before Inauguration in 2003 recently and we were all amazed. He got one the best Consultants on economy and governance at that time, Mrs Okauru who was the former FIRS Boss or so. The records are there on some of his remarkable achievements; the Shonga Farm, the Aviation College, Kwara Diagnostic, Kwara Football Academy, Olam Cashew Processing Company, Gabon Sub Station, reopening of Ilorin International Airport who now runs more than 3 flights daily today. Kwara State University, Kwara Mall ( Shoprite) Asa Dam Reticulation .

During his two tenures as Governor of Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki implemented several development initiatives that left a lasting impact on the state and its people. Some of his notable accomplishments include: Establishment of construction and rehabilitation of major roads across the state, including the Ilorin-Jebba road, Offa-Erinle road, and Share-Oke Ode road. He invested in health care infrastructure, implementation of various poverty alleviation programs targeting vulnerable groups, including women and young people, such as the distribution of micro-credit loans to small-scale traders and artisans.

Dr Bukola established the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to monitor and enforce environmental regulations and standards in the state. He improved the education sector, including the renovation of several schools and the introduction of free education for primary and secondary school pupils in Kwara State.

In short, Dr Bukola Saraki’s tenure as Governor of Kwara State was characterized by a strong focus on infrastructure development and poverty reduction, as well as the establishment of several key institutions that have contributed to the growth and development of the state. Saraki is the architect of modern Kwara without any doubt.

How did Dr Bukola Saraki’s leadership style shape the politics of Kwara State during his tenure as Governor?

I don’t think there’s anybody who brought egg-heads, youths into politics than Dr Saraki. Remember I told you I joined at the age of 24, people like former Governor AbdulFatahi was in his late 30s, Mall Bolaji Abdullahi was in his early 30s, Barr. Atunwa was in early 30s, Prof Ali Ahmad was also in mid 30s etc. then we have Professors, Economists, Doctors and other educated professionals. He also made sure everybody grow with his government; he never abandoned anyone of us as long as you have value to add to the State.

What role, if any, did Dr Bukola Saraki play in your campaign for the State House of Assembly?

I recall he made sure all the Stakeholders were aware of my intention, I recall him telling me to go and see the Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders in my community and inform them, then, he also ensured I informed all the party stakeholders in my Constituency. He gave approval of my proposal and he supported me in all fronts and ensured that I got elected as a member of Kwara State House of Assembly.

How did Dr Bukola Saraki’s influence impact the political landscape of Kwara State?

I have never seen anyone who care so much about his State like Dr Saraki, he always ensure Kwarans are everywhere especially at the National level, infact, he has people digging where are the opportunities so he can go and knock on the door for Kwarans to be there. He goes extra miles to do this and I can attest to many.

Of recent, he was telling how we must not be tired to ensure Kwarans are well placed at National level, infact, he has lists and record of all kwarans at different level incase opportunity present itself

He has met everyone who has worked with him better than he met them. Records are there, he never get tired of coming through for people. He’s an absolutely amazing personality

What are some of the challenges you faced as a member of the State House of Assembly during Dr Bukola Saraki’s tenure as Governor?

I was a member of the State Assembly during Gov AbdulFatah Ahmed for 8 years. The task to balance expectations among the members, my colleagues, the expectations of the constituency and so on and so forth. I encountered a number of challenges as a member of the State House of Assembly. As a representative, it is important to meet the diverse needs and demands of different stakeholders, which can be a difficult task.

How has Dr Bukola Saraki’s leadership impacted your personal growth and development as a political leader?

If there’s one thing I learnt from Dr Saraki, I will say is that, the good intention to do for people, the intention to make people feel happy. This is the guy that will be asking me who among the commissioners have not built house or among his SAs, he made sure everybody were happy while working under him. Sometimes he will send me to various places to discretely inspect their sites because he just gave them money to build houses. He was an excellent person in terms of welfare of his people.

However, I must say that Dr Bukola Saraki’s leadership had a significant impact on my personal growth and development as a political leader. One important lesson I learnt from him was the significance of genuinely caring for the people. Dr Saraki always strived to make the people happy and would actively inquire about the well-being of his commissioners and special advisers, ensuring that they were content while working under him. This kind of concern for welfare and accountability is commendable and something I have taken to heart in my own political career.

Can you compare the Kwara State under the present administration to Dr Bukola Saraki as Governor of Kwara and by implications PDP administration in Kwara State. 

In terms of comparing the current administration in Kwara State with Dr Bukola Saraki’s time as Governor, there are clear differences. During his tenure, there was a strong sense of team-work among all his appointees, peer review, community engagement, and a robust feedback mechanism.

Unfortunately, I do not witness such practices to the same extent in the present administration. With the present administration, it is more of sole administrator of a thing. Holding State Executive meeting is at the mercy of Mr. Governor; our Governor is more of Chairman Governor’s Forum and more of Abuja person than Kwara. This is the same Forum Dr Bukola manned throughout his tenure as pioneer Chairman without affecting his primary assignment as the Governor of Kwara state. So, it calls for concern.

As Dr Bukola Saraki marks his birthday, what message do you have for him and his contributions to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole?

Happy  61st Birthday! On this special day, I celebrate not only his birth but also his remarkable journey and contributions to our nation.

His leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. As a distinguished statesman, he has continuously advocating for the welfare and prosperity of his people, forging ahead with determination and resilience.

Throughout his life, he has displayed remarkable intelligence, diligence, and dedication in his pursuit of a better future for all Nigerians. His exceptional ability to bridge divides, foster unity, and prioritize the interest of the nation sets him apart as a true leader.

His accomplishments, particularly during his time as Governor of Kwara and Senate President, have resonated with millions across the country. The numerous legislative administrative and reforms he championed have positively impacted our society, furthering the growth and development of our beloved nation.

Beyond politics, his philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, providing much-needed support and opportunities to those in need. His commitment to education, healthcare, and empowerment programs demonstrates his unwavering belief in creating a better, more equal Nigeria.

Today, as he celebrates his 61st milestone, I express my deepest gratitude for his exemplary service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to uplifting our nation. His leadership has inspired us all to strive for greatness and work towards a brighter future.

On his special day, may he be blessed with good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavors. May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. Once again, happy birthday, Dr Bukola Saraki! May you always shine as a guiding light for our great nation.

What can you say about socioeconomic growth and development of Nigeria under All Progressives Congress (APC) administration?

 Turning to the socioeconomic growth and development of Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, I must admit that the current situation is challenging. Nigeria is facing trying times, characterized by extreme hardship and hunger. It is crucial for those in power to take decisive action to address these issues and get Nigeria back on its feet.

The government needs to prioritize tackling insecurities, ensuring food security, and promoting unity to heal the deep divisions within the country. There is much work to be done, and I implore the leaders to take bold steps for the betterment of all Nigerians. Nigeria is in a trying time, there’s no need to pretend on this. Things are extremely bad, We are badly divided as country and there’s need for healing.