The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has spoken on his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal which resumes today, February 6th, 2018.
Bukola Saraki
The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has released a statement as he resumes his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Here's his statement in full below;
*****************
"Tomorrow morning, I will be at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in respect of 3 of the 18-count charges for which I have previously been cleared by the same Tribunal. This is following the verdict of the Court of Appeal which ordered that we should go and open our defence on 3 of the counts.
As a lawmaker and a law-abiding citizen in a nation governed by the rule of law, as opposed to the rule of men, I choose to appear before the Tribunal tomorrow — despite having a pending appeal before the Supreme Court on the same matter.
My lawyers actually advised that we should apply for a stay of the CCT proceedings pending the determination of the Appeal that we earlier filed before the Supreme Court. But I have a different opinion. I feel that despite the pending appeal before the apex Court, I should and will put up my defence as regards the 3 counts. I am convinced of my innocence on these counts and confident consequently of a favourable decision of the Tribunal on them. This has always been my position from Day 1.
My greatest interest has always been to clear my name as soon as possible and it is my hope that justice will be expeditiously served by the Tribunal.
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON)
President of the Senate"