Date: 2012-10-08

I read with dismay the article posted on October 7th 2012, Titled UNKNOWN GUNMEN BREAK INTO KWARA STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, CART AWAY ALL DOCUMENTS OF SARAKI-ERA TRANSACTIONS.

The report of burglars breaking into the State Ministry of Finance carting away some vital documents and cash belonging to the ministry. It is a dastardly act that must be condemned in all its entirety. It is more worrisome that a group of people with vested interest yet undefined can attach such act to the person of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki who has been busy in recent times carrying out paramount legislative duties as a Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.

This attempt is mischevious, callous, and inhuman. It will be recalled that such attack was made at the Ministry some weeks back and the case is very much under investigation. We see the comment trying to link this unforunate situation to Senator saraki as an attempt to derail the general public from seeking the truth to get to the bottom of the matter. This is a serious crime against the state and the people of Kwara, Categorically, We refute as an entity and in a personal capacity any suggestion that Senator Saraki could ever been involved in such an act.

As a cursory examination of these allegations, there is a need to put the record straight, for the avoidance of doubt, his excellency has no interest in neither any documents or the hard currencies carted away. During his administration as the State Governor, he was attacked similarly on different grounds of covering up local government fund, this allegation was thoroughly investigated by the then EFCC Chairman Mallam Nuhu Ribadu's team and at the end of the investigation released statement in october of 2006, and gave Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki a clean bill on the floor of the Senate (This statement is available for verification). Even the Independent corrupt practices commission has carried out numerous investigations to this effect and he has always come out unscathed.

The propaganda by his political antagonist did not end there, despite the many victories recorded from the anti-graft bodies. The Farida led team in 2010 amidst growing apprehension also did a similar investigation before passing the baton of leadership to Mr Lamorde whose investigation has not found the Senator or his administration as governor wanting. It is a mere wishful thinking for anyone to incite and instigate using false contentious allegations to mislead people and score cheap political points. This is not the first time issues bothering on his financial transaction in office will be a subject of speculation, even when all bank evidence points otherwise. It is therefore a gratuitous insult to insinuate such ferocious act with the person of Dr Saraki. This is the time for all Nigerians to embrace peace no matter our political affiliation and narrow our self-serving interest by supporting the law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal cases and bring the perpetrators to book.

Signed

Bamikole Omishore
Special Assistant on Media and Advocacy

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