Date: 2013-04-25

The attention of the media office of Senator Bukola Saraki, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District has been drawn to a recent publication in Nigerian Pilot Newspapers on Monday 22nd April 2013 where it was alleged that the Special Fraud Unit of Nigerian Police has concluded arrangement to arrest and charge the Federal Lawmaker to court on a case of "Conspiracy and Fraudulent conversion of funds perpetuated on the bank accounts of Joy Petroleum limited".

While we seldomly join issues with the faceless and unscrupulous individuals behind this sustained and deliberate media attacks on the person of Senator Bukola Saraki, we are compelled to put the record straight for the purpose of dis-abusing the minds of the general public who may have been misinformed and misguided by the concocted story.

The general public is aware that on May 4th 2012, Senator Bukola Saraki was invited by the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos which he voluntarily honored on the allegation of conspiracy and fraudulent conversion of funds allegedly to have been perpetuated on the bank account of one Joy Petroleum Ltd. At that time, our position was that the senator had not committed any offense as the petition only invited him to assist in an investigation, which was purely a civil matter between a bank and its customer. Surprisingly, the invitation was unfortunately followed with sensational media reports, propaganda and cheap blackmail that already portrayed Senator Bukola Saraki as guilty. The recent articles in Nigerian Pilot especially the one of Monday 22nd of April 2013, seems to be a resumption of the blackmail.

We will like to inform the general public that following the review and due interpretation of the case, by the office of Director of Public Prosecution of the Federal Ministry of Justice, vide a letter dated 9th October 2012, with reference number DPP/ADV: 061/12, addressed to Inspector General of Police, clearly stated that Senator Bukola Saraki has no case against him as the allegation is frivolous.

In its letter to IGP, the DPP further advised "It would therefore be improper and unjust in the circumstances to hold Dr. Saraki and Mr Pinhero or indeed the companies criminally liable for the internal actions and decisions of the bank and its officials bordering on exercise of discretion."

Further to a letter to the Attorney General of the federation by Senator Saraki's solicitors, the Attorney Generals office by a letter dated 24th October 2012 stated that after a thorough consideration of the investigative report and the relevant laws applicable thereto the allegations against Dr. Bukola Saraki, are unfounded and manifestly unsupportable in law. It is our belief that the referred document has finally put the matter to rest thereby setting the record straight. See attached copy of the letter referred to.

It is a common knowledge today that one year after the fuel subsidy saga; Nigerians have all seen that the facts are true. Today, there have been changes in the process, government has been able to save billions of Naira, illegal and unscrupulous traders/importers have been stopped from participation. Overall, the country has gained from the revelation of Oil subsidy scam as exposed by Senator Bukola Saraki.

It has always been our position that the truth behind this blackmail, is as a result of bold step taken by the lawmaker over his stand on the corrupt practices surrounding the petroleum subsidy, which has caused him to be hunted. We had already stated at that time that it is strange that a matter that took place over two years ago, which has been concluded by the investigative authorities, resurfaced coincidentally at the time the motion on Oil Subsidy came up.

We are not unmindful of the fact that there are people who feel threatened by Senator Bukola Saraki's principled stance as they will not stop moving from agency to agency looking for which one will cooperate and suit their strategy in finding a charge that will stick at all cost. It is our strong believe that the same way they have failed in their effort with SFU, they will definitely fail with others, as justice will always prevail. It has always been said that when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back at you.

We will like to place it on record for avoidance of doubt, that if politically motivated attack and cheap media blackmail on Senator Bukola Saraki's person is the sacrifice he has to make to fight against corruption, he accepts and is resolute in his determination to keep working on what he believes is just and right in the interest of Nigeria.

We like to thank and appreciate all our followers and the general public who stood by Senator Bukola Saraki during this period for their unflinching support and belief.

We implore you to keep disregarding these unreliable and fictitious media reports such as the one recently in Nigerian Pilot.

Signed,
Bamikole Omishore