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Tag: Saraki

  • APC faction in Kwara seeks national headquarter recognition

    The factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Kwara, Hon Bashir Bolarinwa has called on the national leadership of the party to recognize his faction as the authentic one the state.

    Bolarinwa made the call on Monday in a press statement issued in Ilorin, copy of which was made available to News men

    He also called on the national leadership of the party to stop dealing with Ishola Balogun Fulani led executive.

    Bolarinwa said his faction has been vindicated as the real APC in Kwara following exist of the Fulani group from the party.

    According to Bolarinwa, the Balogun Fulani faction’s allegiance was to Dr Saraki and sponsor of what he called ‘the contraption called RAPC, saying, “This is injurious to the party”.

    He said that the crisis in the party was precipitated by Dr Bukola Saraki and his cohorts when he defiled the party position on zoning of the senate presidency.

    Sen Saraki, Bolarinwa said went against the position of the party and did everything untoward to clinch the office.

    “While the president and the party remain democratic, Saraki was busy sowing seeds of discord and seeking means of destroying the party. His latest antic was the formation a splinter group,” Bolarinwa added.

    He lamented that since Dr Saraki emerged as the Senate President, he has been attracting odium to the institution of the Senate and Kwara State.

    Read Also: Kwara APC hails Buhari on Saraki’s acquittal

    Bolarinwa added that Sen Saraki has consistently made lives difficult for Nigerians through budget padding and delay in passage of budget.

    “These are practices created by him to slow down government and confer undue benefits on him,” he said.

    Bolarinwa accused the Senate President of pauperizing the people through deliberate under development of Kwara State.

    He challenged Saraki to point to a project or program he initiated that geared towards truly empowering the people for economic sustainability.

    Bolarinwa declared that Sen Saraki and his lackeys were bent on destroying the party and make it unsellable to electorate.

    According to him, the only grouse of the Saraki group was that the Senate President was not given a political waiver in his alleged criminal trials in courts and even those under investigation.

    He added that there was nothing wrong for the Police to carry out their constitutional duty as it related to Offa bank robbery.

    “Any move to turn this dutiful service of Nigeria Police to persecution is not only hypocritical but diversionary aimed at perverting the course of justice,” he said.

    Bolarinwa therefore appealed to the people of the State to keep faith with the party, promising to return the state to the path of prosperity through a functional political party.

  • Defection: We await Saraki’s directive, says Kwara APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC)  in Kwara state has said it is awaiting Senate President Bukola Saraki’s directive on whether  to defect from the ruling party.

    The party also prayed to God to lead Senator Saraki aright on his next line of his political action.

    The state APC Chairman, Ishola Balogun-Fulani told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital that members of the party remain committed to Saraki and would follow his decision.

    Balogun-Fulani described the APC as a broken party, saying that the cord of unity amongst members has been severed due to internal wrangling and the unwarranted trial of the Senate President.

    When asked to respond to a call last week by the party’s three senatorial chairmen in the state asking Saraki to lead them out of the APC,  he clarified that:”Everyone has a right to express what he wants.”

    “But as for us, we wait on what our leader(Saraki) will decide ” quoting a Qur’anic verse to seek God’s guidance for the Senate President in taking any decision on the issue of defection.

    Baligun- Fulani had  expressed relief, satisfaction and justification by the decision of the Supreme Court discharging and acquitting Saraki of allegations of false asset declaration, pointing out that the party has held the same position since the now ended trial began three years ago.

    Said he: “As you are aware, on Friday, a five – man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad unanimously ruled that the Senate President is innocent of assets declaration and sundry charges instituted against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The Supreme Court further declared the evidence led by the prosecution as hearsay.

    “As a party, we salute the Supreme Court for delivering that landmark judgement which represents victory for democracy. We are happy that the judgement has reinforced our expressed belief that the Senate President is innocent of all the trump up charges.

    “You will recall that when the case began at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on September 22, 2015, I addressed press conference to alert the people of Kwara State and indeed, Nigerians that the case was politically-motivated. It was a clear case of political witch-hunting.

    “During the 1018 days that the case lasted, we made it a duty to alert the public about the twists and turns. We once raised alarm that desperate politicians have hijacked the Code of Conduct Tribunal. We once said that the case was been remotely-controlled by politicians. At the end of the tortuous legal fireworks of 1018 days, we are satisfied that justice has been delivered on the case.

    “We recall that the torturous political persecution of our leader, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki began because he exercised his constitutionally – guaranteed right to contest for the position of Senate President against the wishes of some political forces in the All Progressives Congress.

    “All manners of extra-judicial strategies and unconstitutional measures were deployed to humiliate, vilify, embarrass and remove the Senate President from office. We thank Almighty Allah for his victory and we congratulate the Senate President for this hard-won victory.

    “Like we have always maintained, no political party ever survived war waged against it self. Indeed, It is now clear that the bond of unity and cohesion in the APC has been weakened, damaged, fractured and severed.

    “As a party, we extend gratitude to distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Honourable members of the Federal House of Representatives and the entire institution of the National Assembly for standing firmly with the Senate President.

    “We also commend all Nigerians who are lovers of democracy and believers of rule of law for standing on the side of rule of law and democracy during the political persecution period.

    “Particularly, we salute our political structure, all members of APC in Kwara State and Nigeria as a hole for keeping fate with the Senate President. May Allah continue to stand by you.

    “Finally, we wish to reiterate and categorically declare our unconditional loyalty to the leadership of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON. Come rain, come sun, we will continue to stand by the Senate President.”

  • Split in R-APC as Saraki moves to join presidential race

    •May lock horns with Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, Atiku, Makarfi, others for PDP ticket
    •Opposition party leaders want ticket for old members, not defectors
    •What Saraki, Atiku discussed in Middle East
    •Obasanjo to back consensus candidate even if Atiku emerges

    Senate President Bukola Saraki is warming up to join the race for the Presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in August, according to sources in his camp.

    Hints about his presidential ambition emerged yesterday; just 24 hours after the Supreme Court cleared him of allegations of impropriety in his declaration of assets form by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

    The news immediately threw the camps of Governor Aminu Tambuwal and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who are co-drivers of the R-APC with Saraki, into confusion.

    Tambuwal and Kwankwaso are also interested in the PDP presidential ticket and sources said it was their primary reason for wanting to return to the party having found out that they could not wrestle the ticket from President Buhari in the APC.

    Saraki, who is  said to be under pressure from his supporters to vie for the ticket, has been consulting his associates, political strategists, and well-wishers in the last 24 hours.

    If he consents to seek the ticket, the move is bound to alter the Reformed-All Progressives Congress(R-APC) permutations ahead of next year’s elections.

    The birth of the R-APC was announced last Wednesday by some top members of the APC who claimed the party has failed to live up to expectation.

    Saraki travelled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday to commission some projects executed by Governor Nyesom Wike.

    The Rivers State Governor is the arrowhead of PDP’s plan to stage a comeback next year.

    The governor is credited with sponsoring the election of Prince Uche Secondus as the national chairman of the PDP.

    But it could not be ascertained last night if Saraki’s unfolding   game-plan informed his Port Harcourt trip yesterday.

    The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also said to have been taken aback by Saraki’s sudden interest in the presidential race.

    A source knowledgeable about the relationship between  Atiku and Saraki yesterday rated the Senate President’s latest move as  an “upset and contrary to the discussion by the two leaders in a country in the Middle East.”

    The source said “what was agreed upon by Saraki, Atiku and other contestants was that whoever secured the presidential ticket would be supported by all.”

    But the source said Saraki “did not give any commitment to back Atiku only for the presidency.”

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Supreme Court verdict on Saraki played a big role in changing the permutations in the R-APC and the PDP.

    Rules out continued membership of APC, support for Buhari’s re-election

    Saraki, it was gathered, has ruled out remaining in APC or backing Buhari for re-election, declining persuasion by a top presidency official that he should remain in the APC.

    The Senate President felt he will “not be able to have moral and emotional stamina to campaign for Buhari in view of his humiliation at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the police on Offa robbery.”

    His political family and APC supporters in Kwara State are also said to be opposed to mounting the podium for Buhari in 2018/2019 electioneering.

    Investigation also showed that  Friday’s ruling of the  Supreme Court  which cleared him of any corruption stigma was the ‘joker’ Saraki  needed to rescue his political career.

    “Since the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, the Senate President has become morally emboldened to rev up his presidential ambition. He has started consultations in the last 24 hours,” a source said yesterday.

    “So far, the preliminary round of consultations indicate that he might participate in the presidential primaries of the PDP with some R-APC aspirants like Tambuwal and Kwankwaso.

    “Initial field report and extensive survey have buoyed his confidence of winning the slot.

    “With this development, Saraki will slug it out in PDP with Atiku, ex-Governor Ahmed Makarfi; ex-Minister Tanimu Turaki; ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau; ex-Governor Sule Lamido and others.

    “Already, Saraki is done with APC going by the formation of R-APC and the defection of some of his backers and political like-minds to PDP.”

    Asked why Saraki cannot stay in APC to challenge Buhari for the presidential ticket, the source added: “he believes he did not deserve the humiliation he went through at the tribunal and in the hands of the police.

    “What finally made the Senate President to forsake APC was his being linked with those behind the bank robbery and killings in Offa by the Police.

    “I think the police pronouncement did more damage and it was that day he drew the line with APC.

    “Also, his family, relations and political supporters in Kwara State don’t want to hear anything about APC. The trauma was too much for them.”

    Tension in R-APC camp

    Assessing the situation in R-APC on the strength of Saraki’s plan to join the race for PDP presidential ticket, an informed source said: “there is tension everywhere now within our ranks.

    “From the look of things, having three R-APC leaders seeking the PDP presidential ticket is like a house divided against itself.

    “The coming of Saraki will certainly whittle down the prospect of Tambuwal and Kwankwaso because our calculations will change. And do not forget that these three leaders will still have to confront other presidential hopefuls who are in PDP.

    “The race may look open but the path is laced with landmines if R-APC members have to split their votes at the presidential primaries of PDP. It would have been better if Saraki stuck to the negotiated offer of Senate Presidency in 2019.

    “You can see that the R-APC innovation may not last more than two months because the leaders may fall apart over presidential ticket.”

    Asked if Saraki will not be betraying a mutual understanding between him and Atiku in a Middle East country recently, the source said: “there was no pact. What was agreed upon by Saraki, Atiku and other contestants was that whoever secured the presidential ticket will be supported by all.”

    PDP leaders root for ‘old’ party members in presidential ticket race

    Party sources also said that some PDP leaders are opposed to ceding the party’s presidential slot to defectors from APC.

    “We won’t allow them to come back and take over our house. Many of us believe that the R-APC leaders are looking for a refuge camp in PDP and they should not be dictating to us from a position of weakness,” a PDP BoT member told The Nation.

    “If we decide not to readmit them into PDP, they will be politically stranded.

    “It will be a disaster handing over our presidential mandate to any of the defecting leaders. We want the ticket for any of our old and consistent members who are in the race like Ahmed Makarfi, Tanimu Turaki, Ibrahim Shekarau, Sule Lamido, and to some extent, Atiku Abubakar.

    “These R-APC leaders should know their limit. You don’t run into a house cap-in-hand and seize it from the landlord.”

    It was gathered that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has been persuaded to support any consensus candidate picked by PDP and other 30 parties it might form an alliance with.

    A member of the NWC said: “We have begged Baba to forgive and forget in supporting any common candidate agreed upon by PDP and other coalition parties.

    “We made this request having in mind whether the candidate will be Atiku or not. He has left the option open with a target that the APC must be shown the way out of power in 2019.

    “Baba is only after a credible choice that can match Buhari. He is no longer fixated on any candidate.”

     

  • Saraki flags off Train 2 of Indorama fertiliser plant

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has laid the foundation for the construction of the Fertiliser Train 2 of Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited.

    He said with $3.2billion invested in Rivers State by the foreign investors, it shows that Rivers people are receptive to investors.

    According to him: “I am congratulating the people of Rivers State for creating the right environment for this investment.  I like the example that Rivers people are setting for others to follow”.

    Saraki noted the successful production of urea in Rivers State, which is used mostly by northern farmers underscores the need for national unity.

    “Urea Fertiliser products are used by farmers, especially in northern part of the country. That tells us that we must unite. We must support ourselves irrespective of party affiliation.

    “Without peace, there will be no urea. For all of us in Nigeria, let’s work in the interest of our country “, he said.

    He said Nigeria cannot diversify the economy without developing the agricultural sector.

    While commending the management of Indorama, the Senate President noted the National Assembly will support the growth of the plant.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said Indorama has performed creditably through quality investments in the state.

    He wondered why anyone would say that Rivers State is not safe for investments when the Foreign Direct Investment by Indorama has hit $3.2billion.

    Managing Director of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited Maniah Mundra said the foundation stone ceremony of the second train project will produce 1.5million metric tonnes of urea fertilizer.

    Mundra said this would bring Indorama fertilizer production to 3million metric tones.

    He said that $3.2billion has been invested by the company over the years.

    According to him, it is the highest investment by any foreign investor in the last 25 years.

     

  • S/Court frees Saraki on false assets declaration charge

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the charge of false assets declaration brought against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    Justice Centus Chima Nweze, in a lead judgment of a five-man panel, upheld Saraki’s appeal, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

    The Court of Appeal had, in a December 12, 2017judgement, held that the prosecution established a prema facie case against Saraki on three out of the 18 counts contained in the charge and ordered him to enter defence in relation to the three counts.

    The apex court dismissed the entire charge and held that the prosecution failed to discharge its responsibility of proving its case.

    The apex court upheld the June 14, 2017 ruling of the CCT, which freed Saraki. It was of the view that all the evidence presented by the prosecution were hear-say evidence and therefore not admissible.

    The Supreme Court noted that the witnesses that were vital to the prosecution’s case, who would have provided direct evidence were not called.

    The court, after discharging Saraki, proceeded to also dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the prosecution.

    Other members of the panel were Justices Dattijo Mohammed, John Okoro, Amina Augie and Ejembi Eko.

    In his lead judgment, with which the other four justices agreed, Justice Nweze faulted the prosecution for not appealing  the tribunal’s finding, to the effect that the evidence led by its (prosecution’s) witnesses were hearsay evidence, which are not admissible and cannot be accorded probative value.

    Nweze also faulted the Appeal Court for partially voiding the decision of the CCT, by which it (Appeal Court), restored three out of the 18 counts contained in the original charge against Saraki. The CCT had dismissed the entire charge.

    Nweze was of the view that the documentary evidence,  including Saraki’s assets declaration forms and his bank statements, tendered by the prosecution, amounted to documentary hearsay, because the witnesses, through whom the prosecution tendered them, we not the makers.

    Nweze said: “Surely, the hearsay evidence of PW1 (EFCC operative) cannot by any stretch of logic move into the direct evidence of PW4 (Saraki’s account officer).

    “What is more is that the hearsay evidence of PW1, the building block of of PW4, having been declared inadmissible, cannot be the basis of conclusion that the prima facie case has been made out in Counts 4, 5 and 6.”

    Nweze said the Appeal Court was right in  agreeing with the CCT on the point that “practically, all the material evidence produced by the prosecution witnesses was hearsay. The actual person or persons or authorities who have knowledge about the facts sought to be proved were not called to testify before the tribunal.

    “In all, from my intimate reading of pages 2323, 2325 and 2341 (of the record of appeal), I have only one observation to make.

    “The lower court was caught up in an analytical mix-up, the mix-up that occasioned the inexcusable conclusion that a prima facie case has been made out with regard to counts 4, 5 and 6.

    “This cannot be, since the same lower court has dismissed the testimonies of the witnesses as hearsay.

    “I, therefore, take the view that having regard to the negative and unpleasant comments of the lower court on the probative value of the testimonies of PW1(see pages 2329, 2331, 2332 and 2333, Volume 5 supra), PW2 in pages 2334, 2335 and 2336, Volume 5, PW3 (see pages 2325, 2326, 2334; and PW4, whose testimony was woven around the inadmissible evidence of PW1, the lower court’s view that the prosecution made out a prima facie case in counts 4, 5 and 6 was a juridical equivalence of a forensic somersault.

    “Such an approach which speaks ill about our jurisprudence is clearly unsupportable.

    “For this court to agree with the lower court will be to supplant the constitutional provision of proving the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt.

    “This court cannot lend its juridical stature and acclaimed eminence to such a caricature of justice.

    “I, therefore, make bold to say that the lower court was in grave error when in the absence of material evidence no matter how slight ‘linking the defendant to the commission of the offences charged’ yet proceeded to hold that the prosecution was only able to establish prima facie against the defendant in Counts 4,5and 6. That cannot be.

    “Against this background, therefore, I have the duty to vacate the judgment of the lower court.

    “In its place, I find and hold that from the testimonies of the four prosecution witnesses, the prosecution failed to make a prima facie case against the appellant.

    “I, therefore, in the penchant command of section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act enter an order discharging the appellant.

    “Accordingly, I restore the ruling of the trial tribunal in favour of the appellant. Appeal allowed. The appellant is discharged,” Nweze said.

  • Ahmed hails Supreme Court verdict

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has hailed the Supreme Court verdict on Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki’s assets declaration and sundry charges instituted against him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

    The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba described the apex court as a bastion of democracy in the country.

    The statement said that “the apex court’s judgment has reinforced the belief that the judiciary remains the hope of the common man”.

    “What the Judgment has done is to re-energize the common man’s hope and belief in the judiciary. It is the only hope for a better and free Nigeria”, the governor said.

    Read Also: I am happy that I have been vindicated – Saraki

    Ahmed explained further that the judgement had vindicated the Senate President as a trustworthy and patriotic Nigerian that would do everything necessary to carry the country to an enviable height.

    He recalled that till the trial lasted, Dr Saraki was unperturbed, unshaken and remained committed to providing purposeful leadership as the Chairman of the National Assembly, praising him for weathering the storm of legal battle for the last three years.

    “The judgement is a watershed in political journey of the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria and will lay to rest his political persecution”.

  • I am happy that I have been vindicated – Saraki

    —Insists trial politically motivated

     

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday reiterated his confidence in the judicial process and the ability of the Judiciary to do justice to all manner of men and in all circumstances.

    A statement he personally signed after the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld the earlier decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), discharging and acquitting him of all 18 count charge instituted against him, Saraki expressed gratitude to all Nigerians who have supported him since the case commenced three years ago.

    Saraki said, “At the end of a tortuous journey of 1018 days, counting from September 22, 2015, when the case began at the Tribunal, I am happy that I have been vindicated.

    “The Supreme Court has affirmed that there is no evidence of false declaration of assets. The court also observed that certain agents took over the responsibility of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in this trial, and one can infer that this was done towards a pre-determined end.

    “This outcome has gladdened my heart and further strengthened my belief in this country and as well as my faith in the Almighty Allah, who is the righter of all wrongs. God has vindicated me today before the judgement of man, and I am most thankful and humbled at His grace and infinite mercies.

    “Through it all, I refused to be shaken, knowing, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, that the arch of the moral universe may be long, but it bends towards justice. I knew the day would come when justice would prevail and I would be exonerated.

    “I have always believed in the infallibility of our Judiciary, secure in the knowledge that our courts – the last refuge of the oppressed – would never condemn the innocent. This outcome is also a vindication of my belief in the rule of law.

    “As I said in my first appearance at the CCT, this is a politically motivated case. The case was trumped up in the first instance because of my emergence as the President of the Senate, against the wishes of certain forces. Ordinarily, I doubt anyone would be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over 15 years ago.

    “What we have seen is the opposite. Instead of working together in the interest of the nation and to seek to do better for our people, we are fighting one another and using legal instruments to mount baseless accusations against one another. Instead of exhibiting the need for unity and working day and night for that purpose, we are stoking the fire of division and rancour. I maintain that, above all else, my CCT trial has been a flagrant vilification of my person, and shows that some people are after their personal interests rather than the national interest.

    “As a result of the war of attrition, various arms of government have wasted resources needlessly. It has been three wasted years across board in this country. Three years that would have been devoted to tackling issues affecting Nigerians, including: economic recovery, insecurity, youth unemployment and strengthening national institutions – were wasted on malicious prosecution. People were ready to trade-off three years that would have been devoted to fostering cooperation, unity and economic progress for their selfish ends. It is my hope that those who are behind my persecution will see the handwriting on the wall and leave me to do the work for which I was elected, so I can continue to give my all to this great country of ours.

    “As many have rightly observed, it is plain to see that the anti-corruption fight is being prosecuted with vindictiveness, to target perceived political opponents. I believe in the need to fight corruption, but I will never be party to the selective application of the law or the rhetoric of an insincere anti-corruption fight.

    “I believe in fighting corruption and I have made my own humble contributions to the fight against corruption in this country. As a presidential aide, I initiated the process that led to the enactment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. I was the first governor to establish the Price Intelligence Unit which later metamorphosed into the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) at the federal level. In the history of this country, the highest fraud, the most brazen corruption has been the Fuel Subsidy scam. No one wanted to talk about it or confront entrenched powers. As a Senator on the platform of the ruling party at that time, I sponsored a motion on the floor of the Senate calling for investigation that led to the unprecedented exposure of the massive corruption in the fuel subsidy regime. That was my only point of departure with the former President. My antecedents speak for themselves.

    Read Also: Kwara APC hails judiciary on Saraki’s acquittal

    “I thank Nigerians for standing by me through the difficult period of this trial. The support of ordinary Nigerians and their faith in me, as well as their sophistication and discernment in seeing this case for what it was, has been a source of strength to me.

    “I am most grateful for the support of my Distinguished Colleagues and the Honourable Members of the 8th National Assembly, for their unflinching support and regular attendance at the various proceedings. They were unfairly criticised for accompanying me on court appearances, but it is now clear that they did so because they believed that injustice to one, is injustice to all. They have been the true embodiment of esprit de corps. I thank them for banding together in the face of an unconscionable attack on the institution of the legislature.

    “I thank my legal team for their determined and principled stance, and for their knowledge and diligence, which saw this case to its just conclusion. My gratitude to all my friends, political associates, supporters and the good people of Kwara State – all of whom have been solidly behind me.

    “I thank my family for enduring this trial with their usual grace and fortitude. My immense gratitude also goes to the international community for their interest in this case. The Nigerian press have kept watch and I appreciate their vigilance in ensuring that all the facts were held up to scrutiny.

    “To my supporters, yes, there is a reason to rejoice, but our celebration must be tempered with the sobering lessons of the attempted injustice from Day One of this trial. We all have to canvas for fairness in the fight against corruption. We should see this verdict as an inspiration to champion the rule of law, promote democracy and its institutions as well as tolerance of divergent views.

    “The overwhelming support of so many, and the insistence on ensuring that due process and truth prevailed, has made this verdict possible,” he stated.

  • Kwara APC hails judiciary on Saraki’s acquittal

    All Progressives Congress in Kwara state has hailed the Supreme Court for its acquittal of Senate President Bukola Saraki on false declaration of assets.

    In a statement spokesperson of the party in the state Alhaji Sulyman Buhari described the judgement as victory for democracy and landmark verdict on the incorruptible credentials of the Senate President.

    The statement reads: “We received with excitement the news that a five -man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Dattijo Muhammad unanimously dismissed the remnant three counts and declared the evidence led by the prosecution as hearsay.

    “Kwara APC wishes to declare that the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court is consistent with the belief and expectation of the Kwara State chapter of our party.

    Read Also: Supreme Court frees Saraki on false assets declaration charge

    “We recall that the torturous political persecution of our leader, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki began in 2015 because he dared to contest for the position of Senate President against the desires of some political leaders in the All Progressives Congress.

    “All manners of extra-judicial strategies and unconstitutional measures were deployed to humiliate and remove the Senate President from office. We thank Almighty Allah for his victory and we congratulate the Senate President for this hard-won victory.

    “Importantly, we will not forget to acknowledge the fact that the judiciary demonstrated its independence and capacity to exercise uprightness and forthrightness when politicians attempted to manipulate the Court to settle political scores.

    “During the course of the political persecution, Kwara APC once had reasons to declare that no political party ever survived war waged against self. Indeed, It is now clear that the bond of unity and cohesion in the APC has been weakened, damaged, fractured and severed. “

  • Supreme Court frees Saraki on false assets declaration charge

    …Says prosecution did not prove case

     

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the charge of false assets declaration brought against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    Justice Centus Chima Nweze, in a lead judgment of a five-ma panel, upheld Saraki’s appeal, set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

    The Court of Appeal had, in a December 12, 2017judgement, held that the prosecution established a prema facie case against Saraki on three out of the 18 counts contained in the charge and ordered him to enter defence in relation to the three counts.

    The apex court dismissed the entire charge and held that the prosecution failed to discharge its responsibility of proving its case.

    Read Also: Assets declaration: Supreme Court rules on Saraki ’s case Friday

    The apex court upheld the June 14, 2017 ruling of the CCT, which freed Saraki. It was of the view that all the evidence presented by the prosecution were hear-say evidence and therefore not admissible.

    The Supreme Court noted that the witnesses that were vital to the prosecution’s case, who would have provided direct evidence were not called.

    The court after discharging Saraki, proceeded to also dismissed the cross-appeal filed by the prosecution.

    Other members of the panel were Justices Dattijo Mohammed, John Okoro, Amina Augie and Ejembi Eko.

     

     

    Details later…

  • Ex-minister Adamu Ciroma dies at 84

    Former  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Adamu Ciroma is dead.

    The Minister of Finace (1999-2003) during the first term of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency, according to family sources, died in a Turkish hospital in Abuja yesterday after a protracted illness. He was 84.

    The late Ciroma, also a minister under President Shehu Shagari in the Second Republic, was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In 1979, Ciroma was one of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) presidential aspirants.

    He came third in the primary, behind Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule.

    Ciroma was briefly the secretary of the NPN before serving at various times as Minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance.

    Ciroma was born on November 20, 1934 in Potiskum, Yobe State. He graduated from the University of Ibadan and served in different capacities in the Public Service.  He was appointed to the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1970 where he served as a Director before his appointment as the Governor in 1975.

    His remains were buried in Abuja yesterday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Governors, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Aiwaju Bola Tinubu, among others reacted to Ciroma’s passing.

    In a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President extended sincere condolences to the Ciroma family, the government and people of Yobe State on the passing of the elder statesman.

    The President described Ciroma as a political leader and Federal cabinet minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance, at various points in his remarkable life, will be long remembered for his remarkable service and dedication to the country’s unity, progress and stability.

    President Buhari also affirmed that he will be honoured for his contributions in promoting democracy in Nigeria and his legacies should be a constant reminder to politicians who wish to work for the good of their communities and our great country.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki described the late politician’s death as monumental loss to the country.

    In a statement, Saraki said: “Although death is painful, but it gladdens my heart that late Ciroma lived a worthy and successful life,” Saraki said.

    “As a public servant, the late Ciroma’s integrity was unparalleled, as a politician, he was unblemished and as a journalist, he was among the finest breed.”

    “Indeed there is no word or adjective that will be enough to describe late Ciroma, considering his invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

    “We have lost a detribalised Nigerian, bridge builder and a strong pillar for nation’s unity. He will surely be remembered for his forthrightness and integrity. We shall miss him greatly”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara expressed sadness over the demise of an “icon of transparency and an epitome of integrity who lived an incorruptible life.

    “Indeed we lost a great man, a patriot, leader par excellence and  a shining star.  Malam Adamu Ciroma was one of the few surviving close associates of the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello and he remained a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers”.

    “He was an intellectual genius and highly cosmopolitan public servant who exhibited high sense of patriotism, passion and enthusiasm for the progress and development of the country while serving as first indigenous Editor and Managing Director of New Nigerian Newspaper, CBN Governor and Minister of various portfolios in different administrations in Nigeria.”

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele described Ciroma as a very good man who was still of immense service to the apex bank. He said Ciroma was a firm believer in the sanctity and independence of the CBN.

    “While we mourn the loss of a very good man, an astute central banker and a patriot, we also celebrate his remarkable life and contribution to the banking industry in Nigeria,” the CBN said.

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said the country has lost one of its finenest elder statesman, a bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life.

    “The late Mallam Ciroma was a quintessential civil servant and politician who served Nigeria in various capacities in the first and second republics as well as the military regimes and the fourth republic.

    “The late elder statesman was a man of great intellect vision and politician who was a strong pillar that continues to support the unity and stability of Nigeria.

    “The late elder statesman would be remembered for his political doggedness, commitment to national unity and selfless service to his father land. Nigeria has lost one of its finenest elder statesman, a bridge builder and a leader who lived a simple and humble life. He needs no thumb stone to remind us of his legacies. Yet the best remembrance is for those he has left behind to live up what he stood for.

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said: “I am saddened by the loss of elder statesman, Adamu Ciroma, whose passing was announced today at an Abuja hospital.

    “Ciroma was a respected leader, who rose to serve Nigeria meritoriously when the occasion demanded. This can be gleaned from the number of public service offices he held and the panache with which he dispensed his roles.

    “I hereby extend my condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, his hometown, Potiskum, and his immediate family. I pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    Obaseki noted that “Ciroma’s role as one of the architects of modern Nigeria cannot be controverted,” calling on youths to emulate his commitment to the Nigerian project.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola described Cirom as principled, recalling his famlus statement in the heat of the June 12, 1993 election annulment crisis, that Ciroma said the late Chief Moshood Abiola won the election “fatr and square.”

    In a statement by his Media Adviser Sola Fasure, Aregbesola said: “The death of Mallam Adams Ciroma came to me with a rude shock.

    “This was a highly respectable and influential politician and a reputable voice from the North.  He had been around since after the independence, taking part in major decisions that had shaped the country both in trying moment and in peace.

    “He had witnessed Nigeria’s political development from the First Republic to the present democracy and participated in all, which made him one of the most highly experienced and informed politicians living in the country until his exit on Thursday. History will be kind to him”, adding:

    “There is no denying the fact that the nation will in some days and years to come miss the experience and interventionist roles of this man of immense wisdom and political knowledge.”

    Former Anambnra State Governor Peter Obi, described Ciroma as an elder statesman “that served the country creditably as the Governor of the Central bank and the Minister of Finance. While urging  the younger ones to emulate his spirit of service, he prayed for the repose of his soul.”

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said his world view was largely influenced by early contacts and mentorship that he received from the late Ciroma.

    He said: “A lot of what I have turned out to be in life today was as a result of the early contacts and mentorship that I had with Adamu Ciroma, who graciously offered me vacation job in my formative years”, Atiku said.

    Atiku said Ciroma’s honesty and patriotism were among his greatest virtues, adding that the deceased had left behind untainted public service record for which he would always be remembered.

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed grief over the passing of the former Finance Minister and a chieftain of the party.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said the country has lost one of its finest; an incontrovertible patriot who spent his life making inestimable sacrifices for the unity and development of our dear country.

    The PDP said, “Mallam Ciroma lived as a committed citizen; an astute administrator and highly disciplined politician, who  discharged all responsibilities vested in him with unequaled forthrightness and loyalty to the nation.

    “On the political sphere, this great Nigerian will be remembered for his roles in ensuring the stability and growth of our nation, and particularly, the roles he played in the formation and growth of the PDP. He played a leading role in Group of 34 eminent Nigerians, otherwise called the G34, that formed the PDP.

    “He was an embodiment of the ideals and visions of our great party in our pursuit of a prosperous nation where unity, equality and justice prevail.