Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken a strong swipe at former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging them to stop what it described as media theatrics and face the legal process over the 2018 Offa robbery incident.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the ruling party in the state said there was no cause for alarm if Saraki and others charged in connection with the case had no involvement, stressing that the court remains the proper place to determine guilt or innocence.
“Neither Saraki nor the PDP needs to lose sleep if their hands are clean. But they must come to terms with the fact that the court deals with evidence and fact, not dramatic statements that seek to erase the facts of history,” the statement read.
The party dismissed Saraki’s denial of any link to the convicted robbers as “laughable,” claiming that testimonies and existing records contradict his position. It added that the matter would be clarified when the trial begins.
“Rather than resorting to personal attacks, he should go and face his trial and allow the court to establish the truth,” the APC said, maintaining that the allegations are backed by evidence already in the public domain.
The party further commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what it described as the courage to allow due process to take its course, despite the stature of those involved.
According to the statement, “the convicts have named his role in how they acquired guns and other logistics. This is a matter of court record,” adding that Nigerians are increasingly demanding accountability from individuals linked to violent crimes.
The APC also accused the opposition of attempting to politicise a tragic incident that claimed over 30 lives, warning against what it called efforts to sway public opinion through “panic statements.”
It said the appropriate response for anyone accused is to defend themselves in court rather than in the media. “The proper place to do explanations is the court, not Facebook or press statements,” the party stated.
Highlighting the administration’s performance, the APC said Governor AbdulRazaq remains focused on governance, citing ongoing projects in education, road construction, healthcare upgrades, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“While the PDP is busy re-litigating 2018 in press statements, the government is working and delivering development across the state,” it added.
The party concluded by urging residents to reject attempts to revive what it described as an era of political control by a few individuals, insisting that the current administration is committed to security, justice, and development.
