Gbolahan Salman
A PDP aspirant for the Kwara State House of Assembly, Afon Constituency, Hon. Ridwan Dan Sokoto, has pushed back against renewed attempts to link former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to the Offa bank robbery, describing the claims as “false, reckless, and politically motivated.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on April 20, Dan Sokoto said dragging Saraki into the tragic incident amounts to “a tired script of political mudslinging” that Kwarans no longer take seriously.
“There is no shred of evidence connecting Dr. Saraki to the Offa robbery. These allegations are nothing but a smear campaign designed to distract the public,” he said.
Shifting focus to governance, the PDP chieftain criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing his administration of failing to curb rising insecurity across Kwara North and South.
“As Chief Security Officer, the governor cannot continue to look away while communities are overrun by bandits and kidnappers. The responsibility is his, and the people deserve protection,” he stated.
Dan Sokoto called on security agencies to remain professional and impartial in handling the Offa robbery case, insisting that justice must be based strictly on facts.
“Investigations must be transparent and evidence-driven. Security agencies must not allow themselves to be used as tools for political persecution,” he added.
He also urged the state government to adopt a more proactive approach, including collaboration with traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders to tackle insecurity.
“What we need now is decisive leadership — not silence. Engage community leaders, mobilize local support systems, and restore confidence in public safety,” he said.
Expressing concern over the growing anxiety among residents, Dan Sokoto warned that patience is wearing thin.
“People are living in fear. Government must stop playing politics with security and focus on protecting lives. That is its primary duty,” he said.
The remarks highlight deepening political tensions in Kwara State, as debates intensify over accountability and security in the wake of the Offa robbery controversy.
