Saraki blames Buhari-era harassment on opposition to unchecked borrowing

DDM News

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki says his opposition to excessive borrowing triggered political harassment under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking at the 2025 Reunion Gala of King’s College Old Boys in Houston, Saraki recounted the challenges he faced in office, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

He blamed the harassment on his refusal to support Buhari’s borrowing plans and his push for legislative independence.

Saraki lamented that Nigerians, including the elite and the masses, remained silent during his political persecution.

He believes this silence weakened the legislature and strengthened executive dominance in subsequent administrations.

Saraki noted that current Senate leaders are more compliant due to fear of experiencing similar harassment.

He said the National Assembly today acts as a rubber stamp, avoiding conflict with the executive branch.

The former Senate President spoke under the theme “Empowering the Future from Legacy to Infinity.”

He reflected on his 2015–2019 tenure as Senate President, describing it as turbulent and marked by political clashes.

Saraki recalled his emergence as Senate President, which defied the APC’s choice of Senator Ahmad Lawan.

He gained the seat with support from opposition PDP senators, sparking tension with APC leadership.

In 2018, Saraki defected from the APC to the PDP, citing marginalization and a lack of internal democracy.

His defection triggered a failed impeachment attempt and worsened his relationship with the executive.

During his term, executive nominees faced delayed confirmations, and several Senate bills were rejected by President Buhari.

Saraki stated that his Senate was harassed, blackmailed, and silenced for challenging the executive.

He criticized the public’s passivity, saying it discouraged future legislative assertiveness.

Saraki argued that weak public support leads to weak institutions and unchecked executive power.

He warned that Nigeria is focusing on strong individuals rather than building strong democratic institutions.

He said, “We were like orphans. The people stayed quiet and aloof.”

Saraki added that his successors chose submission over conflict to avoid political persecution.

He noted that people now praise his tenure while criticizing the current National Assembly.

Saraki said, “I just shrug when I read those posts. I could’ve made deals, but I chose independence.”

He described Nigeria’s followership as a failure that continues to enable poor leadership.

Saraki emphasized the need to strengthen institutions, not individuals, for Nigeria to develop democratically.

He urged Nigerians to demand accountability and support independent legislative action.

The former Senate President concluded by calling for a more conscious and involved citizenry.

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