President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki on Friday arrived Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to a tumultuous reception by supporters, admirers and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

As a result of the huge crowed that came to welcome him, it took the security operatives a hard time to clear the way for him to move from the airport tarmac to the lounge.

Saraki who was visiting his home state for the first time since his emergence as the Senate President said the past few weeks have been very challenging. Speaking during his visit to the Emir's palace after observing the jumaat prayers at the Ilorin Central Mosque on his arrival, Saraki said the battle for Senate Presidency was a hard one made possible by his colleagues who stood firmly behind him.

He arrived in company of Senators Ahmed Sanni Yerima, Andy Uba, Danjuma Goje; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and a chieftain of APC, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje. Also on ground to receive him was Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state.

From the airport, his motorcade drove to the central mosque to observe the prayers before meeting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to pay homage.

At the palace, he said the victory was made realizable by his colleagues whom he described as "loyal, reliable, dependable and courageous men" who stood for justice and equity.

He said, "The last few weeks have been very challenging.

I want to use this opportunity to thank my colleagues who accompanied me home. They are those I want to call loyal, reliable, dependable and courageous. These are men that stood firm for justice, equity and fair play.

"I think that there is no word enough to thank them because they have fought a hard battle". He said he would not disappoint the people of Kwara State and Nigeria.