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| Senate President Bukola Saraki. |
Senate President Bukola Saraki maintained yesterday his innocence.
In a statement he personally signed last night, Saraki blamed unnamed traducers for his travails, saying he was going through trial because he became Senate President.
“As I stated while taking the plea in the case, I reiterate my belief that the only reason why I am going through this trial is because I am the Senate President.
“If I were to be just a Senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the assets declaration form I filled over twelve years ago.
“This belief stems from the fact that Section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides that If there is a breach or non-compliance with any section of the law, the person involved should be given the opportunity to either admit or deny and that in the case of a written admission, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.
“So, if the CCB had followed the guidelines, procedure or the due process provided in its own law, we won’t be having this trial.
“It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our polity. This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the international community is watching because Nigeria is a key member of this community.
“So, the executive, legislature and judiciary should do the right thing that will truly demonstrate that we have imbibed the spirit of positive change”.
Saraki stated that he appeared before the tribunal after he had explored the opportunity to defend his fundamental human rights in other courts.
He thanked his colleagues, some of who accompanied him to the tribunal, for their support and solidarity.
“I also thank my counsel for the brilliance they have shown in presenting our case and the supporters who were present in the tribunal in their hundreds”, he concluded.
