CCT Trial:Supreme Court Rules Against Senate President’s Appeal, Saraki Reacts

The Supreme Court on Friday told the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, that he must return to the Code of Conduct Tribunal to face trial in the suit instituted against him over false declaration of assets.

The Supreme Court dismissed all the grounds Saraki brought for determination by the apex court in seeking to discontinue his trial by the CCT.

In a judgement delivered early on Friday, the apex court held that Saraki’s suit lacked merit and as such he should return to the Tribunal to answer to the charges against him.

The request by Saraki to declare the sitting of just two members of the CCT as invalid was overruled by the Supreme Court. The apex court said by virtue of Section 28 of the Interpretation Act, the sitting of two members was valid. The apex court also said the intention of the law establishing the CCT is to make its proceedings criminal. It also said the Tribunal has quasi jurisdiction and so can issue bench warrant contrary to the position of Saraki

But in a swift reaction, after listening to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the appeal he filed to challenge the process of arraigning him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki hereby states as follows :

1. He expresses disappointment over the Judgment of the apex court in the country on the six grounds of his appeal

2.  He however will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.

3. The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.

4. Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case. He assures everyone that at the end of the day truth will prevail and justice will be served.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu