False Assets Declaration: CCT Chairman Warns Saraki’s Lawyers Against Delay Tactics

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, June 7th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Disturbed by the slow pace of the trial, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Danladi Umar has expressed dissatisfaction about the delay tactics being deployed by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki Counsels and warned against it.

As the hearing resumed today with the first prosecution witness Mr. Micheal Wetkas returned to box for cross examination, Counsel to the Federal Government, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) called the attention of CCT Chairman to how Saraki’s Lawyers have been dragging and frustrating the hearing.

Justice Umar admitted Jacobs’ accusation, hence held that he had noticed the delay tactics being deployed by Saraki’s lawyers, being led by the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Despite the delay, CCT boss warned that the tactics would not affect outcome of the trial.

Justice Umar further expressed his annoyance when he reiterated that the delay tactics would not reduce the consequences awaiting the defendant at the end of the trial.

Chief Agabi (SAN) in his response, expressed shock at Justice Umar’s warning. He said he did not understand what the Jurist meant by the awaiting “consequences” with respect to his client.

The former AGF said the statement has provoked worry by him and his client, especially on “prejudices” which might be influenced by Saraki’s enemies.

It would be recalled after the reported indefinite adjournment of the trial last week Wednesday, due to application by the Prosecution Counsel, as Wetkas was in the witness box in another suit before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The trial involves former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.

Two days later (last week Friday), CCT debunked indefinite adjournment report in a statement, after which it subsequently, announced June 7, 8 and 9 as the new hearing dates.

Saraki is standing trial on 16 count charge, including alleged false and anticipatory assets declaration, while he was Governor of kwara State, between 2003 and 2011 among other allegations.