I will Appear Before Code of Coduct Tribunal Tuesday, Says Saraki

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, September 21st, 2015

By Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Senate President,Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said he would appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Tuesday September, 22, 2015.

A statement by his Media aide, Yusuf Olaniyonu however said that while the Senate President had stated and maintained that he is ready to submit himself to due process of the law on any issue concerning him, he also believes that he has an inalienable right to resort to the same judiciary for protection when he feels his fundamental rights are about to be infringed upon.

“The Senate President is a law abiding citizen and his absence from tribunal was based on legal advice he received from his counsel that it is not necessary for him to appear before the tribunal at this stage since the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the process of initiating the matter are being challenged before the Federal High Court Abuja.

“Following the adjournment for the determination of the motion on notice and the substantive suit before the Federal High Court to 30th of September and the appeal pending before the Court of Appeal adjourned to the 29th of September 2015, the Senate President has decided, as a law abiding citizen, to appear before the Tribunal in the interim.

“Dr. Saraki has taken the decision to attend the Tribunal sitting to demonstrate his respect for the rule of law in spite of his personal reservation on the process of his trial and the purpose it may be intended to serve.

“Dr. Saraki wishes to assure Nigerians of his absolute belief in the judicial process and is therefore confident that the course of justice would be served at the end of this matter”.

It would be recalled that Code of Conduct Tribunal had ordered the arrest of Saraki following his refusal to attend its summon last Friday.

On the resumed sitting of CCT on Monday, it issued a fresh warrant of arrest on him asking the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to produce him on Tuesday unfailingly.

Efforts by Saraki counsels to stay proceeding at the CCT proved abortive as the Appeal court declined their prayers.