Corruption Charges Against Me “Cannot Stand The Test Of Justice” – Saraki

A statement signed by his media office, said that the charges were calculated to rubbish him and that he was ready to meet the Code of Conduct Bureau in court to declare his innocence.

“We therefore conclude that this is not an anti-corruption driven case and cannot be part of the moves aimed at fighting corruption,” 

“Those behind this plot will definitely meet Dr. Saraki in court as this case which is based on outright fabrication and mischief will not and cannot stand the test of justice,” the statement said.

The senate president further described the charges as desperate attempts by his critics to remove him from office at all costs.

The statement said, “It is simply a pure malicious and politically motivated prosecution aimed at undermining the person and office of the Senate President.

Recall that the Code of Conduct Bureau had issued a 13-count charge of corruption to Saraki.

In charge number ABT/01/15, dated September 11 and filed before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Saraki is accused of offences ranging from anticipatory declaration of assets to making false declaration of assets in forms he filed before the Code of Conduct Bureau while he was governor of Kwara state.

The Senate President is also accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while in office as governor.

Also, Saraki is accused of allegedly acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings and operating foreign accounts while he was a governor and senator.

According to CCB, the offences violated sections of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

Saraki is also said to have breached Section 2 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and punishable under paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

In his reaction, Saraki who said he consistently declared his assets as required by law at every point before resuming any political office, also wondered why the charges were coming up 12 years after he left office as governor.

Saraki further said that as a Governor of Kwara State, he never operated a foreign account.

He said: “There is no doubt about it that it is mischievous. The issues there are not true; as far as we are concerned we are not shaking. We will focus and do what we have come here to do; we were elected by the people, elected by my colleagues to work for the interest of the country.”