Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has admonished people of the state to resist any attempt by individuals or groups to use last Thursday’s robbery attack in Offa for political purposes.
The governor gave this admonition at the swearing in ceremony of Oniye Adebayo Mas’ud as the Khadi of the State Shariah Court of Appeal at the Government House, Ilorin on Thursday.
He said that the attack was too terrible and saddening for anyone to trivialize for selfish political gain.
“The tragic events at Offa have expectedly provoked diverse emotions and debate on the nature and extent of the attack. However, while such expressions are mostly well-intentioned, I urge all well-meaning citizens to resist any attempt by anyone to use the tragedy for political purposes. What has befallen us is too terrible and saddening for anyone to trivialize for selfish political gain,” the governor said.
Alhaji Ahmed also gave a reassurance that those who carried out the robbery attack would be apprehended and prosecuted swiftly.
He disclosed that the police and other security agencies in the country had begun a vigorous manhunt for the perpetrators of the attack on the peaceful and industrious people of Offa.
The governor also expressed his condolences to the families of the injured victims and those who lost their lives in the attack. He also urged residents of the state to be vigilant and security conscious as part of community involvement in effective policing.
To prevent a recurrence of the devastating incident, Ahmed said that security infrastructure in the state is currently being strengthened, stressing that additional Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) to beef up security in Offa and other strategic locations in the state would be deployed.
Governor Ahmed charged the new Khadi to conduct himself in manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the court. He also urged Oniye to discharge his duties in accordance with Islamic rules and regulations.
The governor stated that Oniye has been a symbol of integrity, honesty, and uprightness, noting that these qualities coupled with his leadership abilities led to his appointment.
Ahmed assured that his administration will continue to uphold the rule of law and enhance access to justice in order to meet the aspirations of the citizens for a just, safe and secure society.
He also urged judges to avoid words or actions that may call into question their impartiality or respect for the laws they have sworn to uphold.
In his address, the new Khadi, Oniye Adebayo Mas’ud appreciated the governor for considering him worthy of the appointment which he noted, marks a turning point in his career.
He promised to put in his best in the discharge of his duties without fear or favour. Oniye also urged the State government to appoint more Khadis to the Saharia Court of Appeal.