You Are “Sitting Incompetently”, Saraki’s Lawyer Tells Tribunal As it Resumes Sitting

The code of conduct Tribunal (CCT) resumed its sitting in Abuja today, Monday 21 September 2015 over a case of false asset declaration levelled against Senator Bukola Saraki byt the Code Of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

---

The tribunal Chairman Danladi Umar who issued a bench warrant for Saraki’s arrest last Friday, was bemused that Saraki did not appear before him today.

Senator Bukola Saraki represented by his lawyer, Joseph Daudu raised objection to the composition of the Tribunal as provided by the code of conduct Bureau and tribunal act. He argued that the tribunal is “sitting incompetently” owing to a section of the law establishing the CCT which mandated that : “(2)The Tribunal shall consist of a chairman and two other members”. Thereby calling into question the legality of the tribunal to sit with just the Chairman and one member.

Responding, The tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, argued that the tribunal was properly constituted, citing judicial precedents to support his argument.

Daudu also want the tribunal to halt proceedings pending the determination of the appeal he filed in the court of appeal.

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.

The tribunal is currently on one hour recess to deliberate on the objections raised by Saraki’s lawyer and take a position.

More details soon…