Do not comment on Saraki’s trial, Group urges traditional rulers

A group, Kwara Freedom Movement (KFM), has advised traditional rulers in Kwara not to comment on the trial of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The group gave the advice in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr Tijani Babalola a copy of which was made available to the

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin.

Babalola said KFM was not happy with a section of traditional rulers in the state, who recently condemned Saraki’s trial before the tribunal.

He appealed to the monarchs as "highly revered traditional fathers to always represent the true feelings and views of their subjects in all circumstances."

He said that the action of the monarchs amounted to contempt of court.

He added that their action was also against the interests of their subjects, an embarrassment and abuse of the rule of law.

"The traditional rulers are advised to face their traditional roles of maintaining peace, laws and order in their various domains instead of parading themselves in corridors of powers against the wishes of their subjects.

"For traditional rulers, who are expected to be harbingers of integrity and epitome of wisdom to be seen as encouraging contempt is not only unfortunate but also ridiculous,” Babalola said.

The KFM chairman said his group would always frown at injustice meted on Saraki and any free born of Kwara.

He said that the Code of Conduct Tribunal had not only pressed charges against the Senate President, but had also provided him the platform to prove his innocence.

"We should therefore allow this process to run its course accordingly and not whip up unnecessary sentiments for the sake of it," he said