CCT Chairman Demonstrates Erratic Behaviour as #CCTvsSaraki TrialEnters Day 5

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT) Danladi Umar has shown signs of erratic behaviour as the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki over his assets declaration forms from 2003 enters its fifth day.

Umar, who at the beginning of the trial on Monday, stated that the court hearings will be on a daily basis from 10am -6pm has consistently failed to keep to his own words by resuming very late to court.

“Let me state it here for both the prosecution and the defence that the trial of the defendant shall proceed on a day to day basis till the conclusion of this matter and it will begin from 10am to 6pm,” Justice Umar held earlier.

Recall that counsel to the defence Kanu Agabi (SAN) had yesterday requested for adjournment till 12pm today to allow his team go over the evidence. This request was refused by Umar on the grounds that he cannot go back on his words.

“We are not here for one person. We are doing this on the provisions of this act. I have said it and that is final.” Umar said.

Umar arrived the court today at exactly 11:39am instead of his scheduled 10:00am. At Tuesday’s proceedings, Umar also arrived at 1:40pm, when the hearing was set for 12 noon.

The CCT Judge had also scheduled a hearing on the charges levelled against the former Minister for Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe over alleged false declarations, at the same time as Saraki.

Counsel to Orubebe on Umar’s arrival makes a case that Umar had asked for them to sit today and double scheduled another case for the same day.

Umar stated that he lacks respect, ordered him to sit down and adjourned his case till tomorrow Thursday, 21st April, 2016. According to Umar Danladi, “SIT DOWN!!! That his case is adjourned till tomorrow.” Orubebe’s lawyer replied “I know whom to respect and definitely not you”.