Femi Falana Has Some Words for Saraki over His Fraud Case

Popular and respected human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has asked the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to do the needful by resigning his position to preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court would add more value to the battle against corruption in Nigeria.

Citing an instance involving a former Senate President, the late Chuba Okadigbo, Falana asked Saraki to resign having undertaken to prove his innocence before the CCT.

He said, “Having undertaken to prove his innocence at the Code of Conduct Tribunal Senator Saraki should resign as Senate president so as to preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.

“When Senators Chuba Okadigbo and Adolphus Wabara were indicted they were made to step down as Senate presidents.”

This comes amid indications that senators opposed to the Senate President under the aegis of the Senate Unity Forum had regrouped to force Saraki out of the seat.

The Supreme Court had on Friday dismissed the appeal by Saraki challenging the validity of his trial on charges of assets declaration preferred against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, who read the judgment, held that contrary to Saraki’s contention, the Danladi Umar-led Code of Conduct Tribunal was validly constituted by two members.

Justice Onnoghen also held that the tribunal was by the provisions of its enabling laws and the Constitution conferred with the quasi-criminal jurisdiction and thus could validly issue a bench warrant.

Saraki has said he is disappointed in the Supreme Court judgement.