Segun Atanda/
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has denied reports he was being offered juicy packages by the Presidency to keep him in the All Progressives Congress (APC)
He described rumours of offers to him by APC leadership or President Muhammadu Buhari as untrue and unfortunate.
Media reports had claimed that the presidency and APC National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, had made overtures to leaders of Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), including Saraki, to stall their planned mass defection from the party.
Saraki, in a statement on Monday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said it was myopic for anybody to talk about certain offers being made to an individual.
He said what is at stake was the future of the country and its democracy and not the issue of give and take.
The statemeny read: “I saw some reports talking about promise of money or oil block and nomination tickets.
“Those viewing the ongoing development in that context are simply reducing a major national issue involving many key actors to that of personal benefits and preferences.
“I believe at this point, it is important for me to make some clarifications, end speculations and make my position clear.
“It is important for Nigerians to know that the discussions that I and many others of like minds are having with the Presidency and leadership of APC is not about me and what I want.
“It involves the future of our country and her democracy. It is about making things better for our people.
“Though there are many speculations being peddled in the media, let it be known that these discussions are not about me.”
While noting that whatever had happened to him in the past had passed, Saraki further stated: “Now that God in his infinite mercy has vindicated me, I have moved on, believing that we have all learnt our lessons.
“As I said in my statement following the Supreme Court judgment on July 6, I cannot hold any grudge against any individual.
“I have forgiven all those, who played one role or the other in my persecution and likewise, I have asked for forgiveness from all those that I wronged in the past.
“Our focus should now be about Nigeria. The major issue on the table for discussion is how to strengthen our democracy, rebuild our economy and stop the spate of insecurity.
“It is also to improve the conditions of living of our people and generally chart a course for the development of this great country.
“We will be insulting Nigerians if, as the 2019 elections draw nearer, our deliberations are about personal benefits or how to pay compensation for wrongs done to an individual.
“As for my political future, we just need to continue to engage with others, listen to advice and exchange ideas because the decision is not that of mine alone.
“It is for all our supporters and associates to deliberate upon and take a decision based on the overall interest of our people.
“It is my prayers that Almighty God will guide us right in all our decisions and make a positive turn-around in our country.”
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