I am being prosecuted because I’m Senate President, says Saraki

Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has said that he was undergoing his present predicament in court because he was elected Senate President.

Saraki ascendancy as Senate president had caused furore in his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was accused of not following the party’s laid-down rule.

He appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Tuesday following a 13-count charge against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged falsification of assets but was granted bail.

But he maintained thereafter that he was being prosecuted because of his belief in the sanctity of law.

In a statement tilted, “As I Appear Before The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)” which he personally signed Tuesday night, he said that he noted that ‘his appearance before the CCT was a demonstration of his believe in rule of law and respect for the judiciary’,.

“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.

Read also: Tribunal grants Saraki bail, adjourns

“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.”

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