Politics
Saraki may be arraigned for false declaration of assets
The troubles which have bedeviled Senate President Bukola Saraki ever since he defied his political party to vie for and become the Senate President just keep piling up as he has been charged by the Code of Conduct Bureau for several corrupt offences related to the declaration of his assets as a governor and senator.
The Bureau slammed a 13-count charge of corruption on Saraki accusing him of having falsely declared his assets and making an ‘anticipatory asset declaration’ while he was governor of Kwara State, with “an intention of looing”.
According to the charge sheet obtained by Premium Times, in charge number ABT/01/15, dated September 11 and filed before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Saraki is also accused of allegedly acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings, and operating foreign accounts while being a public officer – governor and senator.
The offences, the charge said, violated sections of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
Read also: Lawan group press on to remove Saraki
Mr. Saraki is also said to have breached Section 2 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and punishable under paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
The charges were prepared by M.S. Hassan, a deputy director in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. It was not clear as at Wednesday morning whether the document had been served on Mr. Saraki.
He and his aides could not be immediately reached. But a source at the Code of Conduct Bureau said the Senate President might be arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal this week.
When contacted, Saraki’s media office said it would issue a statement on the issue soon.
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