The Code of Conduct Tribunal has dismissed an application by the
senate president, Bukola Saraki, for false asset declaration charges
against him to be dropped.
Mr. Saraki’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, had argued that the 13-count charge
was invalid procedurally because the Code of Conduct Bureau which filed
the charges, failed to allow Mr. Saraki explain discrepancies in his
assets declaration forms as required by law.
But in his ruling Thursday, the chairman of the tribunal, Danladi
Umar, said there was no breach of law as the Code of Conduct Bureau and
Tribunal Act, 1989, still allows the senate president raise his
clarifications at the level of the tribunal.
Mr. Danladi said by law, the CCB could receive complaints of breach
of the Act and refer such complaints to the Tribunal, provided that it
will allow the person involved to give a statement affirming or denying
the said misconduct.
Also, upholding the argument made by the prosecution, Mr. Umar said
Section 3 (e) of the 3rd schedule of the 1999 Constitution gives the
bureau the right to receive complaints of such nature and where
necessary refer such matter to the tribunal.
According to Mr. Danladi, Section 174 of the Constitution also gives
the Attorney General of the Federation the prerogative to file criminal
proceedings and does not owe any explanations to any one on how to go
about it.
He therefore ordered the continuation of the trial.
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