The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on Monday failed to appear at the
resumed trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), trying his alleged
failure to declare some assets during his tenure in office as Kwara State
governor between 2003 and 2011.
When the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), raised eyebrows over
the absence of the Senate President, the defending counsel and former
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu, said he was
confused because the Chairman of the tribunal, did not rule on his promise
but only “noted” and he “didn’t understand it as such (a ruling)”, adding
that “I expected in the light of judicial practice, that I will get a
positive response”.
Mr Daudu further appealed to the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Umar to
stay action and adjourn seating pending the decision(s) by the Court of
Appeal, but the appeal is strongly objected by the prosecution counsel.
Mr Jacobs argued that the case can’t be adjourned as the accused, Bukola
Saraki, has failed to appear before the CCT to take a plea, guilty or not
, insisting that the composition of CCT is not the same as it’s quorum.
Saraki is facing a 13-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and
false declaration of assets, levelled against him by the Code of Conduct
Bureau (CCB).
The Code of Conduct Tribunal has gone on an hour recess.