By SAKA Laaro, Ilorin
In what was assumed as the state of insecurity, and the possibility of breakdown of laws and order in the state, the Kwara State Government has announced the suspension of the annual Durbar earlier scheduled for Wednesday July 21, 2021.
In a statement realesed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Hajjia Rabiat Mopelola Abrahaman said “the government took the decision in the interest of all the people in the state.”
“The suspension, painful as it is, given our people’s attachment to it and government’s investments to promote this colourful cultural heritage, follows a police intelligence report which indicated that some forces plan to use the boisterous nature of the cultural event to instigate a breakdown of law and order in the state, thereby complicating national security challenges,” according to a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications Hajia Rabiat Mopelola Abdulrahman.
“Government reiterates its commitment to protection of lives and property of all residents of the state, as that is its primary obligation.
“We urge all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies.
“The government once again congratulates Kwarans on the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and bids everyone many blessed Eid in the coming years.”
Reacting to the development, a primary school headmaster who do not want to be mentioned in print said, “I do not agree with purpotted police intelligent report, that the hoodlums may try to hijack the event. I was purely political motivated. This is not the first time Durbar will take place in Ilorin, it took place about two years ago, nad it was a succssful celebration.”
A woman, also said, “In my opinion, the governor Abdulrahaman was only being jittery on the physical presence of the opposition leader in the state, Dr. Bukola Saraki in the ancient of Ilorin to participate in the celebration of this year Eid-el-Kabir and Durbar celebration. If the government was concerned about the safety of lives and properties of the people in the state, they just need to beef up more security before and after the celebrations, rather than outright suspension of the festival barely less than twelve hours to the commencement of the celebrations. It was quite unfortunate,” she lamented.