Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, says his decision to stay away from 2024 Ilorin Emirate Durbar festival is borne out of his commitment to an atmosphere of peace.
In a statement, Senator Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, said Saraki’s decision not to attend was taken after respected traditional title holders and top Islamic scholars appealed to him not to attend the event.
According to the statement, for the sake of peace and highest respect for the throne of Sheikh Alimi, Senator Saraki has decided to stay off the Ilorin Durbar.
The statement also says that Saraki made the decision after he was allegedly briefed that the Kwara state government did not want him around the festival for personal and political gains.
Meanwhile Kwara state government in a statement by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye, said that Senator Saraki had never attended the Ilorin Durbar since 2019.
It says Saraki had accused the state government of being behind the advice given by the Ilorin Emirate council and notable Islamic clerics not to attend the event.
The statement explains that the governor has repeatedly shown humility and large-heart to accommodate everyone to operate as they wish as bonafide citizens.
The statement notes that Governor AbdulRazaq had demonstrated his belief in politics without bitterness through an all inclusive governance.
It adds that Kwara state government says Senator Saraki statement was in bad faith.
Report by ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
