A group, the Kwara Rights Agenda, has faulted those criticising a former governor of the state and senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over the stampede in Ilorin that led to the death of some people.

It will be recalled that no fewer than 10 people died during a stampede in Ilorin on October 16, while struggling for gifts presented to them by Saraki and the Peoples Democratic Party.

The group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Babafemi Ifedayo, said rather than criticise Saraki, he should be praised for sustaining a legacy of giving instituted by his father and Second Republic Senate Leader, late Dr. Olusola Saraki.

Ifedayo lamented the death of the victims, saying it was unfortunate that there was a stampede during this year's Sallah benevolence.

He said, "Unfortunately, this sad and unfortunate incident falls into the political schemings of some disgruntled elements who, instead of mourning the dead, want to take advantage of the situation to rubbish the good deeds of a man whose watchword has been service to his people."

"This programme, unlike the impression being given by these opportunists, has been in existence for years without any untoward development."

Ifedayo added that the incidence was a coincidence, stating that Sallah was not the only time the Sarakis render assistance to people.

He said, "Those who want to capitalize on this unfortunate development will not remember that the Sarakis, right from the early days of late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, have been giving scholarships to different categories of students, sending thousands of people on pilgrimage, feeding the hungry and housing the homeless.

"While we pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, we also urge those trying to make political capital out of the development to have a rethink and not discourage a man who has been doing all in his powers to empower his people."