Kwara APC Group Urges Saraki to Clear His Name in Court
Hameed Shittu from Ilorin reports that families of the victims of the Offa Bank robbery in Kwara State have condemned ongoing attempts to politicize this tragic event. The All Progressives Congress (APC) Continuing Mandate Group in the state has called on Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, to address the allegations against him in court rather than relying on media narratives to defend his position.
During a press conference held in Offa on Monday, Abdulraheem Babatunde, the spokesperson for the victims’ families, emphasized the need for a shift away from political rhetoric towards meaningful actions. “If the government truly cares about Offa, we must prioritize responsibility and accountability,” he stated. The families are seeking recognition and respect for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Babatunde highlighted the urgent need for justice, stressing that victims deserve more than mere silence or superficial inquiries. “Leadership must focus on real issues rather than recycling stories without delivering tangible outcomes,” he urged. Many families affected by the robbery have received inadequate support, leaving them to navigate their recovery largely on their own.
The spokesperson remarked, “The pain of Offa should not be treated as a political tool. It is not propaganda, and it must never be exploited for political advantage.” He called upon political figures to cease utilizing the event as a narrative in their electoral campaigns.
Reflecting on the events of April 2018, Babatunde described it as a dark chapter for the community. “Lives were lost, families torn apart, and our town was consumed by grief and fear. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident; Offa has faced similar violent robberies multiple times, each leaving lasting scars.” He reiterated that these tragedies are not mere historical events; they are recurring pains that should not be weaponized in political discourse.
Babatunde strongly denounced using the Offa heist as an election strategy, calling it unacceptable in light of the suffering endured by the community. He urged the government to engage directly with victims and provide necessary support and compensation, thereby ending the politicization of their tragedy.
In the political arena, some Kwara politicians have urged former Senate President Saraki to prepare his defense against the ongoing charges linking him to the Offa armed robbery case. Members of the APC Continuing Mandate Group released a statement imploring Saraki to confront the allegations in court rather than relying on media strategies to bolster his defense.
Signed by influential local leaders, including former Ilorin East Local Government Chairman Alhaji Usman Bibile Adjape and former Minister of Sports Alhaji Usman Bibile Adjape, the statement affirmed that the onus for Saraki’s exoneration lies with the courts, not the media. They echoed their support for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s decision to pursue charges against Saraki and other implicated figures, asserting that this bold step would ensure justice for the families affected by the tragedy.
They emphasized the importance of justice for maintaining public safety and upholding civil order, stating, “The court is the rightful venue for all suspects to vindicate themselves.” The group encouraged Saraki to proceed with his legal defense, rather than diverting energy to media engagements.
