Date: 2015-10-20

On September 11, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) slammed the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, with a 13-count charge that is allegedly based on false asset declarations from 2003, when he contested for the position of Kwara State Governor. Dr. Saraki, who felt that his rights were being trampled upon based on how the case was hurriedly put together, decided to seek redress at The Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. However, with the political sensitivity of the case, he was turned down and sent back to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Bukola Saraki then filed an appeal challenging the legality of his arraignment at the Code of Conduct Tribunal at the Court of Appeal. Monday, 19th of October was then fixed as the date for the final ruling on the case. However, with the way events unfolded yesterday at the Court of Appeal, we cannot help but pick out five (5) crucial points that Nigerians need to know.

External Influences: Due to the legal inconsistencies the case against Saraki was founded on, many legal experts believe that it was evident that the Court would rule in his favor – thus halting all further hearings by the CCT. However, due to the external pressure and promises of in-kind motivations from certain North West governors, the Court postponed reading the verdict of the case to an undefined date and time.

Prosecutor and Judges Working In-Sync: People at the Court House of the Appeals Court yesterday noticed how apparent it was that the government’s attorney in the case against Saraki, Mr. Rotimi Williams was absent at the court. Nigerians are beginning to wonder if Mr. Williams, had prior knowledge of what action the court would decide upon. If this is the case, many Nigerians believe that there is a strong likelihood that the prosecutors’ office and the Court of Appeals judges worked together to subvert the judicial process by delaying the ruling on the case.

Power-blocs: It has been revealed that the President of the Court of Appeal is also under enormous pressure from certain powerblocs in the the North-Western part of the country to rule against Saraki despite the overwhelming legal evidence in his favor on the technicality of the case.

Political Witch Hunt: With all the strings being pulled back stage by the puppet masters, it is crystal clear that this case is not a legal matter or a corruption case, but a sponsored vendetta against the defendant, Dr. Saraki.

Manipulation of the Rule of Law: Nigerians now see how easy it is for powerful forces to manipulate the law for their own ends. It is sad to see how the entire judicial system has been compromised or forced into submission by those that may wish to take Saraki down for personal gain.

Nigeria, has gone past the stage where some elements can dictate what and who goes down. This is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Despite the fact that Dr. Saraki emerged as the President of the Senate without the backing of his party, the APC, he has on two occasions been found worthy by his Distinguished Colleagues in the Red Chamber. Accordingly, as the lawmakers found Saraki worthy of upholding the Senate Leadership, those who are opposed to his tenure in that position should take a leaf from the Senate’ legislative branch, and suspend their dangerous dealings.

Oluwaseyi David Tosin writes from Port Harcourt