Saraki shows up at Tribunal, live coverage banned

Senate President, Bukola Saraki arrived the Code of Conduct Tribunal as promised, accompanied by his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, several other senators, and Sokoto Sate governor, Aliyu Wamakko.

There was tight security at the Tribunal venue personally supervised by the FCT commissioner, Wilson inalegwu.

Live coverage of the proceedings of the Tribunal was banned just before the arrival of Dr. Saraki.

It is believed that the large number of senator who accompanied the Senate president was to prevent him from being arrested or humiliated.

There was a mild argument on where Saraki should be seated at the proceedings, as the prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs stated that he should be seated inside the dock so his plea could be taken

But the defence counsel, Joseph Daudu contended that the sitting was not for the taking of pleas, nor was it a criminal case.

However, the Tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar stated that Saraki’s plea has to be taken, and he has to be in the dock for that to happen.

The trial tribunal called up Saraki’s case at exactly 10:32am.

Read also: Saraki : I will be at the Tribunal tomorrow

Where is the prosecution, is the accused person here?”, Justice Umar who was looking directly at Saraki from his vantage post, queried.

“Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the first thing is for him to enter the dock, then we will announce our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him”, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs submitted.

“With profound respect to the chairman and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the accused should be produced today. It was not for him to enter his plea. The case was earlier adjourned for mention”, counsel to Saraki, Mr. J.B. Daudu, insisted.

Eventually, Saraki entered the dock and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge that was preferred against him by the federal government.

The tribunal adjourned hearing on the case till October 21, 2015., with Saraki granted bail on self recognition.

 

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