By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News
The embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was on Tuesday granted bail on self recognition after he pleaded not guilty of charges of fraud against him at the Code of Conduct Bureau Tribunal
The Senator is facing a 13-count charge bordering on corruption, alleged falsification of asset declared 12 years ago and operating a foreign account.
Saraki who promised to honour the invitation to appear before the Tribunal yesterday had failed to appear on Friday and Monday, which according to him, was because of the advice given to him by his legal counsels.
As the case opened, the lawyers representing Saraki challenged the juridisction of the tribunal, adding that the matter was not a criminal case.
The challenge was opposed by the prosecution, instructed Mr. Saraki to go ahead with his plea.
The Chairman of the Tribunal said “I hold that the trial before the tribunal is purely criminal.”
Defending the jurisdiction, the prosecution counsel argued that section 2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, states that the matter could be heard alongside any preliminary objection regarding it’s jurisdiction.
It could be recalled that the new law was signed by the former President, Goodluck Jonathan as part of a reform on Nigeria criminal justice system.
The Act is expected to speed up corruption cases before the courts, by dealing with issues of preliminary objections, adjournments, and jurisdiction.
The law says such objections must be addressed by the courts concurrently with the corruption charge, unlike the past when interlocutory injunctions could go to the Supreme Court and return, before the main trial begins.
Mr. Saraki who pleaded not guilty at the tribunal said “I believe that I am here as the Senate president to indicate my respect for the tribunal. I am puzzled why I am being compelled”.
Mr. Saraki defended the accusation by the Code of Conduct Bureau that his earnings did not qualify him to acquire some assets, saying that he earned them through investment in rice Farming.
He denied making false asset declaration and also pleaded not guilty to the charge over his failure to declare his full asset when he was the governor of Kwara State.
The embattled senate president also defended the charges levied against him over his alleged use of foreign bank accounts while serving as a public officer in Nigeria.
Mr. Saraki who arrived at the tribunal premises at 9:32 am was accompanied by about 50 senators and members of the House of Representatives.
According to PT reports, One of the senators who spoke in anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the matter said they took the decision to go with Mr. Saraki in order to prevent the police from arresting or humiliating him.
Another supporter of Saraki said that the plan is to humiliate the Senate President, “We have nothing to fear. After Saraki has exercised his fundamental human rights in relevant courts, we are here to to show the lies contained in the charges.” He added.
The tribunal adjourned the hearing to 21st, 22nd and 23rd of October
Breaking: Saraki gets bail on personal recognition
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