BY AHMED AKANBI
The Offa Youth Progressive has said the reported withdrawal of 18 charges against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed vindicates its opposition to linking the two leaders to the 2018 Offa bank robbery.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Mr Adekola Mubarak Tadenikawo, the group alleged that attempts to associate the former leaders with the incident were politically motivated.
According to the statement, the Kwara State Government withdrew 18 of the original 20 charges and introduced two new counts, leaving four charges in the amended case.
The group said the amendment raised questions about the handling of the prosecution and urged the government to ensure justice is pursued strictly through evidence and due process.
It reiterated that Saraki and Ahmed had no involvement in the robbery, while condemning what it described as the exploitation of the tragedy for partisan interests.
The people of Offa, it said, deserved justice, compassion and support, particularly families and businesses affected by the attack.
The group urged residents to reject political actors who use the incident to advance electoral ambitions, saying the community’s losses should not become recurring campaign material.
“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,” the statement said.
“Our people must reject any government or political party that exploits their suffering to score cheap political points,” it added.
The group welcomed what it described as the withdrawal of armed robbery-related charges against Saraki and Ahmed, expressing hope that remaining legal issues would be determined fairly and in accordance with the law.
It also called on the state government to demonstrate sensitivity to the concerns of Offa residents and allow the judicial process to proceed without political interference.