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."
Saraki salutes Kano Pillars, Golden Eaglets
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Kano Pillars for emerging the winners of this year's Glo Nigeria Premier League.
Saraki, in a statement by his Media Office, also praised the Nigeria Under-17 football team, the Golden Eaglets, for walloping Mexico in their first group match at the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab emirates.
Saraki, who is the proprietor of Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC, said that the emergence of Kano Pillars as the league winners showed that the feat achieved by the team last year was not a fluke.
He urged the team to fortify its weak areas as it prepares to confront the continent in the CAF Champions League, adding: "Kudos also to the Nigeria Football Federation for wading through a tortuous league season."
In congratulating the Golden Eaglets, Saraki urged the Coach Manu Garba-led side to focus on the remaining matches of the tournament and not get carried away by the huge defeat of the defending champions, Mexico.
He said: "Defeating the defending champions is capable of blurring the focus of the team.
"This should not be allowed to happen as it will be dangerous to the aspiration of the team and Nigerians to win the championship a record four times."
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