The former head of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has once again promised to support the family and community of the late political colleague and former Kwara South Senator, Dr. Rafiu Ibrahim, who passed away last week.
Saraki also thanked families, friends, and associates who supported the late Senator before and after his death, calling them deserving people.
The ex-Senator Ibrahim, who represented Kwara South Senatorial District in the 8th Senate from 2015 to 2019, passed away in Abuja last Wednesday after a short illness.
The Fidau prayers took place in his hometown, Ojoku, Oyun local government area of Kwara state on Wednesday.
A statement from Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, quoted the former Senate President as saying this on Thursday when he welcomed family representatives of the late political associate and former Kwara South Senator, Dr. Ibrahim, at his Ilorin home.
The deceased's son, Kajogbola Ibrahim, and the family representatives, led by Alhaji Abubakar Jimoh, visited Saraki to express their gratitude for his supportive role to the late lawmaker during his lifetime and after his passing.
Others in the group included Professor Muritala Awodun, Alhaji Hassan Sadiq, Alhaji Idris Saheedu, and Shamsudeen Bada, among others.
Alhaji Jimoh, speaking on behalf of the family and committee, praised Saraki for his support during the late Senator's life, which he said aided in his political success.
Jimoh, the Group Managing Director of Trustbanc Group, referred to Saraki as a leader in both words and deeds, praying that the Almighty Allah will grant him a long life and good health to achieve more for humanity, particularly in Kwara and the nation, Nigeria.
“We are here not only representing the family but also the entire Ojoku community and everyone connected to Rafiu Ibrahim.
“Many may speculate about the extent of your assistance during his final days, but I witnessed firsthand the magnitude of your support. If not for you, it would not have been as smooth as it was.
“What you did went beyond all expectations. It transcended your position as his (Rafiu's) leader. You acted as a father, and he remained loyal to you until the end.
“I'm not involved in politics, but I understand why people consider you a leader. However, actions speak louder than words. Your actions in this matter have shown that you are not just a leader in title, but in practice and in everything you do.
“The entire family is grateful to you for everything you did during his life, at the time of his passing, and even afterward,” he stated.
In response, Saraki expressed his appreciation to the group of friends for ensuring the late Senator had a dignified burial and for supporting his family.
Saraki, who once again expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a friend and political associate, mentioned that they had made various efforts to save his life, although the illness that led to his passing proved to be incurable.
“Your visit is profound, moving, and heartbreaking. I wish you had come here to thank me for something else. If it was within my power, Rafiu would still be here with us. We did everything we could, but Allah knows best.
The speaker expressed comfort in the impact Rafiu had while he was alive. He left a strong impression and positively influenced people's lives. The speaker also recalled Rafiu's dedication to their party structure when the speaker was away.
The Waziri Ngeri prayed for the family, community, and everyone affected by Rafiu's death. He promised to continue supporting the family and people when they need it.
He assured the family and people of Ojoku that he would do whatever it takes to not abandon them. He also declared that the children are now his responsibility.
He thanked Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Alhaji Abubakar Jimoh Aribidesi, Professor Muritala Awodun, and other friends of Senator Rafiu. The speaker expressed that he now sees Alhaji Aribidesi and Prof. Awodun in a new light after witnessing their roles in supporting Rafiu.
