Saraki reacts to demolition in message to loyalistsThe former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has reacted to the demolition of ‘Ile Arugbo’ describing government’s action as “a naked show of force” In a latest press statement, Saraki urged his loyali

The former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Sarakihas reacted to the demolition of ‘Ile Arugbo’ describing government’s action as “a naked show of force”

Ina latest press statement, Saraki urged his loyalists to remain calm, assuring them that justice would prevail.

The statement read in full:

“Following the development this morning in Ile Arugbo, I want to commend the women and men, old and young, who displayed their affection, love and staunch support for my late father and the family. I appreciate the genuine support of the women and youths who stood firmly in the face of aggression and naked show of force.

“Your action throughout the night gave full expression to my belief that what Ile Arugbo represents to all of us is etched in our hearts. It goes beyond the physical structure.

“I am happy that you were not intimidated as you stood your ground. This day will go down as the day you reciprocated the love and affection my father and family have for you. You have displayed a gesture of goodwill and passionate love. We assure you that justice shall prevail in a not too distant future. May God bless us all.”

The state government had earlier defended the action, saying the demolition was carried out “to reclaim the land in the spirit of what it was originally meant for.”

Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, said in a statement that “The property being reclaimed by the state government is not Saraki’s ancestral home as being portrayed in some section of the media.

“The Saraki’s ancestral home is in Agbaji, while the property we are talking about is in the heart of Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ilorin.

“The government position is that the land was (and still is) a public property originally meant for the construction of a secretariat, a civil service clinic and parking lots.

“However, ownership of the property was spuriously transferred to a private firm and for commercial purpose without the firm paying a kobo to government or obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy.”