I Am Being Prosecuted Because I Am Senate President, Says Saraki

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 a$$ets he admitted, said Tuesday that if he
was not the Senate President, he would not be going
through the present trial.
In a statement tilted, “As I Appear Before The Code of
Conduct Tribunal (CCT)” he personally signed Tuesday
night, Senate President Bukola Saraki who noted that his
appearance before the CCT was a demonstration of his
believe in rule of law and respect for the judiciary, said,
“Today, I appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for
the commencement of my trial in a case concerning the a
$$et 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 a$$et
declaration form I filled over twelve years ago.
“This belief stems from the fact that Section 3 (d) of the
Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides that If
there is a breach or non-compliance with any section of the
law, the person involved should be given the opportunity to
either admit or deny and that in the case of a written
admission, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.
So, If the CCB had followed the guidelines, procedure or the
due process provided in its own law, we won’t be having
this trial.
“It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example
that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our
polity.
This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the
international community is watching because Nigeria is a
key member of this community.
So, the executive, legislature and judiciary should do the
right thing that will truly demonstrate that we have imbibed
the spirit of positive change.
“It is however necessary for me to thank my colleagues in
the Senate for the solid support and solidarity they
demonstrated for me.
I also thank my counsel for the brilliance they have shown
in presenting our case and the supporters who were present
in the Tribunal in their hundreds.
I want to a$$ure 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