Date: 2016-03-29

Leaders of thought in the north- central yesterday called for the immediate dismissal of the on going trial of the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Addressing a World press conference in Ilorin, Kwara state, the leaders of thought said that they rejected in its entirety the CCT's judgment of March 24th 2016.

The spokesman of the group, Senator Ahmed Mohammed on behalf of the people of north central zone called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to be indifferent to the injustice and abuse of legal system in the country as "being perpetrated" by Justice Umar Danladi at the CCT.

He said the recent pronouncement by eminent Jurists on the illegality of the CCT and that it lacks the power to prosecute Saraki was enough to prompt presidential action on the "impunity" of Justice Danladi.

Mohammed added that "on our part we make bold to say that we would reject what ever is the outcome of this illegal and Kangaroo trial under Umar Danladi who himself was alleged to have criminal charges hanging on his neck while the Tribunal has also been declared incompetent by eminent legal luminary.

"Therefore we call for the immediate dismissal of the on going trial at CCT but should this injustice and political persecution continue then Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu must be re -arraigned immediately .

"We have refrained from speaking about the trial of the President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal CCT because of our belief that it was an issue that would stand the test of truth, equity and justice.

"BUT it has become significant to raise our voice at this juncture not only for posterity, but because of the pronouncement of Justice Danladi Umar which established clearly that double standard is reigning supreme" Justifying their call for president presidential intervention, Mohammed noted that Saraki did not only deliver Kwara state 100% to APC in the last general elections, he was a pillar in the North central.

"If fair is fair Dr Saraki deserve to be the most commended politician in APC", he submitted.

The leaders of thought spokesman added that "in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, APC used to have only one Governor in Nasarawa before Kwara joined. Today APC rules in all the states of North central for the party,courtesy of the outstanding role he played with others . "There is no other zone that came from one out of six governors to six over six today. APC also has the most number in National Assembly, state Assemblies and local councils.

"Unfortunately at this moment he is being condemned , persecuted and vilified by the party he helped to build and win.

"If we review his leadership at the Senate and chairmanship of the National Assembly in the last nine months is there anyone who has not seen the high capacity demonstrated by Dr Bukola Saraki in the conduct of business at the upper house and coordination of the national Assembly ?

"For the first time since 1999, the budget was passed the same day in both chambers with similar figures without any need for a joint committee to harmonise their differences. Harmonisation was done from the start.

"With the senate search light on Treasury Single Account (TSA ) Nigeria is saving over N600m everyday. The war against Boko Haram is being won because the National Assembly approved the funds. He brought succour to Nigerians from cancellation of fixed PHCN charges from DISCO tariff. And saved the nation from labour strike in that regard among many other laudable and progressives steps and decision taken in the best interest of our dear Nation.

"As leaders in the zone that produced Senate President we are compelled to cry out on the injustice being done to our Illustrious son, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate".