Nigeria’s Senate President ,Bukola Saraki who appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for trial over alleged false declaration of assets has sounded bullish hours after he was granted bail.
Saraki in an explosive statement Tuesday evening said that he is facing trial simply because he is the Senate President.He also alleged that his trial shows that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in Nigeria.
He said “It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our polity. This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the international community is watching because Nigeria is a key member of this community. So, the executive, legislature and judiciary should do the right thing that will truly demonstrate that we have imbibed the spirit of positive change.”
In the statement , the Senate President said “Today, I appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for the commencement of my trial in a case concerning the asset declaration form I filled in 2003 after I have explored the opportunity to defend my fundamental human rights in other courts.
“My appearance in court today once again demonstrates my belief in the rule of law and respect for the judiciary of our country.
“As I stated while taking the plea in the case, I reiterate my belief that the only reason while I am going through this trial is because I am Senate President. If I were to be just a Senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over twelve years ago.
In the statement he personally signed, Saraki said “This belief stems from the fact that Section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides that If there is a breach or non-compliance with any section of the law, the person involved should be given the opportunity to either admit or deny and that in the case of a written admission, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary. So, If the CCB had followed the guidelines, procedure or the due process provided in its own law, we won’t be having this trial.
He hailed his colleagues in the senate and supporters.“It is however necessary for me to thank my colleagues in the Senate for the solid support and solidarity they demonstrated for me. I also thank my counsel for the brilliance they have shown in presenting our case and the supporters who were present in the Tribunal in their hundreds. I want to assure you that I am innocent of all the charges and will clear my name in due course.
It could be recalled that Saraki defied his All Progressives Congress, APC party chieftains to emerge as Senate President.
