Cct Trial: We Are Solidly Behind Saraki – Senators

SAN FRANCISCO, April 07, (THEWILL) – As the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki continues at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, some of his colleagues have reiterated the resolve of the upper legislative chamber to stand behind its president, insinuating that the trial is politically motivated.

Speaking on the sidelines of the trial moments after his arrival at the CCT at about 4pm on Wednesday, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume told reporters that he was just arriving at the CCT because he too was in court for politically-motivated reasons.

“This is not just about Saraki,” Ndume said, adding that: “I have been at the court since 9am. They are pushing my case too to make sure they can only have people that they can control in the National Assembly leadership.”

Ndume then chatted briefly with Senator Kabiru Gaya before making his way into the tribunal.

On his part, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, representing Sokoto East, told newsmen outside the tribunal sitting that Saraki was the only option for Senate President.

“Our first option is Saraki,” Gobir said, “Our second option is Saraki, and our third option is Saraki.”

Gobir, a second-term Senator, and the Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, explained that the number of Senators present at the court had declined to between 25 and 30 because the Senate was on recess and many of his colleagues have traveled.

“However, if it is a question of those who support Bukola Saraki,” Gobir said, “You will see about 83 to 85 Senators here.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Isa Misau said that officials of the executive branch were busy pushing to persecute the Senate President and have abandoned governance.

Also speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the day's proceeding, Misau said: “The executive branch seems to have abandoned their duty, which is governance, and are instead focusing on persecuting the Senate President. This seems to be why there is fuel scarcity, and nothing seems to be working in the country.”

However, the trial of the Senate President has been adjourned till Monday, April 18th.