False accusations are of particular interest to sceptics and the media houses because scepticism has often been at the forefront of lending voice to the wrongly accused. In climes like ours, it is important as concerned citizens to take a critical look at the allegations made by the Code of Conduct Bureau against the Senate President Bukola Saraki, and the increasingly refined methods adopted by those in support of seeking facts. I hereby state the reasons why the charges against Dr. Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Bureau/Tribunal (CCB/CCT) are on a baseless ground:
1. Going by the available evidence, Bukola Saraki, has clearly declared his assets since 2003, when he ran for governor of Kwara State. With countless assets declared, and no other inconsistency found, Nigerians must ask: “Why did the CCB suddenly find this particular asset declaration from 2003 worthy of note?” Given that the declaration in question was for a different office than the office that he (Saraki), is currently occupying.
2. To set the record straight, if at all there were suspicions of inconsistencies regarding Saraki’s assets since 2003 as alleged, how come it has taken the CCB 12 years to voice out its discontent? Given that verification of assets are done immediately after declarations are submitted to the bureau, and the fact that Saraki has also submitted asset declaration in 2007, 2011, and recently again in 2015, is there an ulterior motive to all this CCB/CCT media circus?
3. Another pertinent question to ask is: On whose authority was the Bureau’s prosecution charge sheet made? While being mindful of the fact that the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act clearly state that any prosecution must be authorized by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), with no AGF in place, what gives a Deputy Director the power to institute/sign-off on such a proceeding?
4. No doubt, the petition circulating the media is indeed a petition of many contrasts. It is interesting that the Senate President has expressed his readiness to honour the tribunal so that justice can be served. However, with the EFCC having a case over the judge that is trying the case at the CCT, and the Senate investigating the EFCC, isn’t it possible that the EFCC is trying to employ strong-arm tactics against Saraki? Additionally, “Can a judge whose hands are dirty, try an accused person justly?”
5. It is glaring the charges against Bukola Saraki are politically motivated. Nigerians should finally join me in asking: “Why the Tribunal chose to disregard the order of the Federal High Court and the motion to suspend hearing till Monday, when it is clear that the jurisdictional claims of the CCB to hear the case are still being called into question?”
I am compelled to believe that the CCB is either being pressured by external influences to smear Saraki’s name, or its name was used entirely by another anti-graft body to achieve a sinister move. Again, this case might not be unconnected with the 8th Senate’s invitation extended to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – Mr Lamorde on charges of misappropriating funds said to be belonging to the anti-graft commission