Saraki ‘disappointed’ in supreme court judgment

Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed disappointment in the verdict of the supreme court mandating his trial at the Code of Conduct tribunal (CCT).

Saraki had approached the apex court after the appeal court refused to stop his trial.

He had argued that the CCT was not properly constituted and also lacked the jurisdiction to try him.

But in its ruling on Friday, the court held that the CCT was properly constituted to exercise jurisdiction over Saraki’s trial.

It also resolved the issue of whether the tribunal had jurisdiction to try criminal matters and issue bench warrants against Saraki.

“I find no merit in the appeal, it is hereby dismissed,” the court ruled.

But responding, Saraki said he believed he would have his day in court “to prove his innocence”.

A statement issued on his behalf by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his special adviser on media and publicity, read: “After listening to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the appeal he filed to challenge the process of arraigning him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki hereby states as follows:

“He expresses disappointment over the Judgment of the apex court in the country on the six grounds of his appeal

“He however will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.

“The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.

“Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case.”