Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences over the death of Chief Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of the 8th National Assembly President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and former Minister of State for Transportation and Solid Minerals Development, Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyat Saraki.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari said, “I am saddened by the demise of Chief Florence Saraki, a strong pillar of the Saraki dynasty and a mother firmly committed to family values and the welfare of the less privileged. The commitment and resilience she showed in supporting the family following the death of the patriarch, Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki, and Waziri of Ilorin, is praiseworthy.”
The former president praised Chief Florence Saraki as “a hardworking and people-friendly community leader whose kindness and thoughtfulness towards others were an inspiration. She will be sorely missed by many in Kwara State and at the centre.”
He extended his thoughts and prayers to the Saraki family, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with the former Senate President and my noteworthy minister, for whom their mother meant so much. May her soul rest in peace.”
News About Nigeria reports that Chief Florence Saraki passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89.
Senator Bukola Saraki confirmed his mother’s death in a statement on social media, saying, “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”
Mourning her death, former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, posted on Facebook, praising her impactful life.
Sowunmi’s statement read, “I receive with gratitude to God a life well spent, lived impactfully, and reason to thank her creator for grace unspeakable in the life of her beloved husband, Oloye Olusola Saraki, who was one of the heroes for which we plead that their labours past will not be in vain.”
He continued, “To her last lovely children, among whom is the Waziri Ilorin, Abubakar Olusola Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kwara State and arguably the most dignified and independent Senate President in Nigeria in this republic. Princess of Owo, omo ologho, thank you for examples set in good conduct and good African values as a community leader, as a role model, and as a virtuous woman for others to emulate.”
