Renowned Academician and Professor Of Mathematics, Prof. M. O Ibrahim has opined that the absence of the Former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, Dr. Senator Bukola Saraki at the upcoming Ilorin Emirate Durbar 2019 celebrations should not be a problem if it will curb likely unrest and chaos as a result of political fights by two different political parties at the event.
The Former Head of Department of Mathematics Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin has maintained that safety of the good people of Ilorin Emirate should be considered above sentiments and prejudices.
Recall that controversy has trailed the event after news broke out that Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazak allegedly frowned at the invitation of Senator Bukola Saraki as a Guest of Honour which his Chief Press Secreatry, Rafiu Ajakaiye, has since refuted.
However, the dusts have not settled yet as efforts to reach the Chairman, Committee for Durbar 2019, Engineer Alapasanpa and Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Jawondo to get their statements proved abortive.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ibrahim has espoused that there’s a slim chance of peace reigning where gladiators of different political parties sit as cheers and boos for or against each other could easily degenerate into a chaos.
Justifying his stance, the Professor of Mathematics corroborated that the safety and security of the citizens is the responsibility of the State Governor and he should be circumspect in making directives to uphold it.
The erudite Professor says thus; “We should be realistic. It’s highly unlikely that we could manage not to have a crisis when Saraki and the Governor sits at the event.
As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the safety of the people matters. The cultural event poses enough security challenges and politics should not be added to it”. He noted.
Explaining further, he added that, ” We should note how unfriendly our people could be to the opposition leaders of a political party. The ugly incidence at Ojude-Oba in Ijebu Ode last year readily comes to mind. It’s my wishes that we do not experience such here. Therefore, if Saraki’s absence could avert crisis as a result of inter- party clashes, maybe it’s right if he sits it out”. He submitted.
Meanwhile, Prof. Ibrahim has advised the youth to be modest in celebrations and to prioritise peace and stability of the state before, during and after Sallah.