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 Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo, its Coordinator, 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It noted that while the government had withdrawn the 18 original charges, it introduced two new charges, bringing the total number of charges in the amended case to four.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 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 Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo, its Coordinator, 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It noted that while the government had withdrawn the 18 original charges, it introduced two new charges, bringing the total number of charges in the amended case to four.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. ‘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.