The Offa Youth Progressive has said the Kwara State Government’s decision to withdraw 18 of the original 20 charges against former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed vindicates its longstanding position that the two former leaders should not be associated with the 2018 Offa bank robbery.
The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo, described the development as a vindication of its position that the allegations against the two former leaders were politically motivated and intended to smear their reputations for partisan interests.
It noted that while the government had withdrawn the 18 original charges, it introduced two new charges, bringing the total number of charges in the amended case to four. The group, however, maintained that the development raises serious questions about the handling of the case and reinforces its call for justice to be guided strictly by evidence and due process.
The group recalled that it had consistently maintained that Saraki and Ahmed had nothing to do with the unfortunate incident, describing the repeated attempt to link them to the robbery as part of a political campaign to discredit them.
It further condemned what it described as the politicisation of the tragedy, insisting that the people of Offa deserve justice, compassion and genuine concern, rather than the exploitation of their painful experience for partisan advantage.
The group vehemently urged the people of Offa to reject any government and political party that turns their misfortunes into political tools, particularly by repeatedly exploiting the tragedy during election cycles to advance partisan interests. It said the people must not allow their pain, the loss of lives and the destruction suffered by families and businesses to become convenient campaign materials whenever elections approach.
“Enough of the deceit and political propaganda built around the misfortune of our people. Offa deserves better than a political culture that repeatedly brings up its tragedy for electoral advantage. Our people must reject any government or political party that exploits their suffering to score cheap political points,” the statement added.
The group congratulated Saraki and Ahmed on the withdrawal of the armed robbery-related charges, expressing hope that the remaining legal issues would be resolved fairly and in accordance with the law.
It also urged the government to demonstrate greater sensitivity to the feelings of the people of Offa and allow the judicial process to proceed without political interference.
Signed:
Mr Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo
Coordinator,
Offa Youth Progressive
