The former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practises Commission (ICPC), retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has denied that he was the Chairman at an event to dislodge Saraki dynasty in Kwara politics.

Mr. Akanbi who reacted to a publication credited to him in Ilorin on Sunday at a news conference said he "can never be a party to those who want to wrestle political power from Saraki dynasty in Kwara."

He described the publication as a calculated attempt to tarnish his image in Kwara in particular and in the country in general.

He said it was true that he was invited for the launching of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) by the Tafida of IIorin, Amuda Aluko, who did not disclose to him that it would be a political gathering.

He added that he hurriedly left the venue after his speech which was not political but on the establishment of the new NGO.

The former ICPC boss, who had been appointed the 2013 Amirul Hajj by the government of Kwara State, described the publication as a fabrication and work of enemies of progress.

He said he did not have any animosity with Saraki family and could not champion any course to dislodge Saraki dynasty from power in Kwara.

"The publication worried me that I was the chairman of an occasion to wrestle power from Saraki dynasty," he said.

Mr. Akanbi, who disclosed that he had two Foundations in IIorin to uplift the standard of the downtrodden, said "one does not need to wear a political toga before rendering service to God."

He said Mr. Saraki donated N5 million and a bus to the Foundation.

He advised Nigerians to think of how to complement government’s efforts at eradicating poverty instead of seeking political power for selfish interest.

The Saraki dynasty has led Kwara politics for several years with incumbent Senator Bukola Saraki currently its head after the death of his father, Olusola Saraki.

(NAN)