Real reason AGF went after Saraki again

It has been revealed that it was to prove his commitment to the anti-graft war, that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, sanctioned the appeal against Senate President Bukola Saraki’s acquittal at the CCT.

After the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) discharged and acquitted Saraki, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Femi Odekunle, in an event in Abuja, doubted the commitment of the AGF in the war against corruption.

The AGF apparently in response to Odekunle in a statement released on Wednesday and co – signed by his special adviser on media and publicity , Mr. Salihu Isah, and the special assistant to the President on Prosecution (AGF Office), Mr. Okoi Obono Obla, debunked insinuations that the AFG was not committed to the anti-corruption war.

The statement read, “The Honourable Attorney of the Federation wishes to assure Nigerians that despite some recent setbacks recorded in some of the cases involving politically exposed people; that the war against corruption is fully on course.

“It shall be fought resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is more than ever before committed towards the complete eradication of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.

“In this regard, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has directed that a Notice of Appeal be lodged against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal acquitting and discharging false assets declaration case preferred against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

“Those in a hurry to condemn due to the temporary setbacks recorded lately, … should tarry awhile because a legal process is deemed not concluded until it terminates at the Supreme Court which is the highest court of arbitration in Nigeria,” part of the statement read.

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Making reference to the statement by Odekunle, the statement added, “To say that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN frowns at the statement is an understatement. In fact, he is highly disappointed that such accusation and statement could be made by those who ought to know better.

“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is saddened and flummoxed at the attempt to cast aspersion on his integrity, dedication and commitment to the war against corruption which undoubtedly is one of the major cornerstones of the present administration.

“There is no gainsaying that the incumbent Attorney General of the Federation has shown and demonstrated so much passion, drive, will and enthusiasm in prosecution of transgressors of the law ever seen in the annals of this country.”

 

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