SENATE President Bukola Saraki who appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT following a 13-count charge against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, over alleged falsification of assets he admitted, said Tuesday that if he was not the Senate President, he would not be going through the present trial.
In a statement tilted, “As I Appear
Before The Code of Conduct Tribunal
(CCT)” he personally signed Tuesday night, Senate President Bukola Saraki who noted that his appearance before the CCT was a demonstration of his believe in rule of law and respect for the judiciary, 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“May God continue to bless our
country.”
Source: Vanguard
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