A group, the Kwara Rights Agenda, has faulted those criticizing a former Governor of the state and senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over the stampede in Ilorin that led to the death of some people.
The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Barrister Babafemi Ifedayo, said rather than criticize Saraki, he should be praised for sustaining a legacy of giving instituted by his father and Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
Ifedayo said it was unfortunate that there was a stampede during this year’s Sallah benevolence by the Sarakis and the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said: “Unfortunately, this sad and unfortunate incident falls into the political schemings of some disgruntled elements who, instead of mourning the dead, want to take advantage of the situation to rubbish the good deeds of a man whose watchword has been service to his people.
“This programme, unlike the impression being given by these opportunists, has been in existence for years without any untoward development.”
Ifedayo added that the benevolence at Sallah is not the only time the Sarakis give as they do render assistance to people all year round.
He said: “Those who want to capitalize on this unfortunate development will not remember that the Sarakis, right from the early days of late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, have been giving scholarships to different categories of students, sending thousands of people on pilgrimage, feeding the hungry and housing the homeless.
“While we pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, we also urge those trying to make political capital out of the development to have a rethink and not discourage a man who has been doing all in his powers to empower his people.”
Trending
- Gbenga Daniel’s son: KFC denied me entry due to my disability
- Edo 2024: Accord Party affirms Iyere as governorship candidate
- EKEDC: In-fighting continues as Board, Chairman again issue contrary directives
- Woman arraigned for allegedly obtaining money by falsehood
- Lagos picks MoneyMaster as payment partner for ‘Ounje Eko’
- FG to arraign Binance, two others for alleged tax evasion
- Six Labour Party State Assembly members defect to PDP in Enugu
- Primate Ayodele knocks ex-Minister for encouraging negotiation with terrorists