Political Briefs
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SALLAH celebration was almost turned into a bloody event in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State, as some persons pelted many dignitaries with missiles, including sachets of water. The protesters claimed they had a bleak Sallah celebration because government did not pay them their outstanding salaries despite the bailout funds from the federal government. The government insisted salaries had been paid.
Among those said to be the target of the mob attack was Bukola Saraki, Senate president. Saraki was at the Eid praying ground with many others, including Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin, and Muhammadu Bashir, chief imam of Ilorin.
The police said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident. More suspects were being hunted in the disruption of the Eid-el Adha festival, highly cherished Islamic injunction in Ilorin Emirate.
Saraki appeared to be the target of protesters because as soon as he arrived at the prayer ground, there was intermittent shout of “Ole! Ole!! Ole!!! (Thief, thief, thief).“E san owo wa to ri Olorun” (pay us in the name of God), among other protest chants.
Shortly the announcement of Saraki and other dignitaries’s arrival, worshippers surged forward and threw stones, missiles, and pure water sachet at them, many of whom were innocent of the anger of the affected worshippers.
Nevertheless, the dignitaries went ahead with the Sallah prayers. But immediately after the prayers ended, the worshippers surged forward again and bombarded the Senate president and other dignitaries with unprintable words and throwing more missiles.
The security officials had to form a wall around Saraki and guarded him into his car. The police had to fire teargas to disperse the mob.
Yusuf Olaniyonu, special adviser to the Senate president, said: “It is erroneous to say that Saraki and others were deliberately singled out for attack. The President of the Senate has nothing to do with outstanding salaries in Kwara State.
“And if you look at it, what has the Emir and other leaders got to do with non-payment of salaries? Why should the mob attack these leaders for God’s sake? We are suspecting sabotage; we believe some fifth columnists or forces are at work. Some propagandists went about with different insinuations that the bailout funds were diverted.”
— Oct 5, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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