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Tag: Saraki

  • FG faults Saraki’s fresh application on CCT chairman

    FG faults Saraki’s fresh application on CCT chairman

    The Federal Government on Wednesday faulted the fresh application filed by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, seeking the disqualification of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman, Danladi Umar, from the Senate president’s trial for false asset declaration.

    The government, in its counter-affidavit filed against Saraki’s application by the lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said the statement credited to Umar during the June 7 proceedings and on which basis Saraki was asking the CCT chairman to withdrawal from the trial, was quoted out of context.

    Saraki had filed the application through his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), on June 13, accusing Umar of making a remark showing his bias against him (Saraki) during the June 7 proceedings.

    The CCT chairman had warned the defence against employing delay tactics to frustrate proceedings at the tribunal.

    The government in its counter affidavit argued that should the CCT chairman disqualifies himself based on Saraki’s application, the tribunal would have taken over the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal in deciding the appeal.

    It noted that Umar, on the said June 7 sitting, stated clearly that “his mind is open to do justice to this matter and that he has no prejudice against any of the parties.”

    It added: “The statement quoted in the affidavit in support, allegedly made by the chairman of the honourable tribunal was quoted out of context without referring to the statement made by the chairman to the effect that his mind was open to do justice to this matter and that he has no prejudice against any of the parties.

    “Since the charge was filed on September 17, 2015, the defendant has employed all forms of delay tactics to ensure that this matter is not expeditiously heard and to frustrate the prosecution of this case.”

     

  • Again, Saraki seeks disqualification of CCT Chair

    Again, Saraki seeks disqualification of CCT Chair

    •Queries Umar’s ability to do justice

    For the umpteenth time, Senate President, Bukola Saraki has challenged the procedure of his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged false assets declaration.

    This time, Saraki has filed a fresh application seeking among others, an order asking the Chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar to disqualify himself from further presiding over his trial.

    Saraki, in the fresh application filed by his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), accused Umar of making statements capable of being prejudicing the outcome of the trial.

    The Senate President cited the reported statement by Umar, where he deplored the delay tactics being employed by Saraki’s legal team and noted that the delay would not affect the consequences of the trial on the defendant if found guilty.

    The application, already served on the prosecution may not be heard today as it (prosecution) was yet to respond the it (application) yesterday.

    Although Saraki had, since his trial commenced late last year, filed series of applications, challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal, the competence of the charge filed against him, among others, this is the second time he would be asking Umar to disqualify himself from the trial.

    The first he filed through one of his lawyers, Ajibola Oluyede, is currently a subject of appeal, having been rejected by the tribunal.

    Although the tribunal is empowered under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to delay the hearing of such applications to the end of trial, it is not clear if Umar will elect to hear this one now, having heard similar interlocutory applications in the past.

    Saraki’s legal team is expected to have its 12th day of cross-examination of the 1st prosecution witness in the case, Michael Wetkas.

    The prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) has complained on several occasions that the defence was wasting too much time on just one of the many witnesses it intends to call.

    Jacobs expressed similar view on the last hearing date of June 7, when he complained that the defence was unduly delaying proceedings having spent 11 days cross-examining a single witness presented by the prosecution.

    In response to Jacobs’ compliant, Umar had said: “I am not happy at the delay tactics by the defence counsel. And I must say this thing out, that this delay tactics will not reduce the consequences the defendant will meet from this tribunal at the end of the trial if he is found guilty.”

    Responding on behalf of the defence, Agabi told the tribunal that the defence team was not comfortable the tribunal Chairman’s view on the allegation of delay made by Jacobs.

    “From the defence side, we are not worried about the law and facts that will be placed before this tribunal by the prosecution. But we are worried about enemies, who may wish to use this tribunal to achieve their ulterior motive.

    “As the tribunal Chairman, we love you, we respect you, but we are afraid of consequences, especially as just stated by this tribunal this morning. Our fears have been reinforced, but we pray against consequences that are against natural justice,” Agabi said.

     

  • Saraki seeks eradication of child labour

    Saraki seeks eradication of child labour

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has canvassed for the eradication of child labour as part of activities marking this year’s World Day against Child Labour.

    This year’s theme is “End child labour from the supply chain”.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy, Fatima Kakuri, urged stakeholders to work towards bequeathing a future devoid of abuse and other forms of inhuman practices against children.

    The statement reads: “In this 2016 World Day Against Child Labour, we express our support and join the global community in eradicating child labour from the supply chain. We find this year’s theme both apt and significant as we reflect on the particular challenges that our country faces, which have heightened the vulnerability of our children to exploitation.

    “We recognise the menace of child laour, abuse, rape and abduction in our dear country; the Chibok girls remain fresh in our minds and our hearts remain with their families until they are rescued.

    “Among our peculiar problems, child marriages, baby factory syndrome, domestic violence tied to conservative religious and cultural beliefs, remains obstacles in our quest to liberate the Nigerian child.

    “The good news is that, the Senate is doing all to see that we reverse the situation. Presently, we have embarked on a comprehensive review of our Labour Laws and the Child Rights Act to eliminate any gaps, offer adequate protection and provide mechanism for redress in cases of child abuse.

    “We are also working to ensure a uniform enactment and enforcement of the Child Rights Act in all states.

    “We remain committed to ending child labour by catalyzing action with key stakeholders and engaging the full capacities of the Senate’s oversight functions in our determination to change the status quo. We are also committed to supporting the executive in its pursuit to eliminate the manace which at best perpetuates poverty and illiteracy.

    “Protecting our children from abuse and all forms of exploitation must be a priority. We hope for a better Nigeria and must join forces and renew our commitment to make the future of Nigeria, a future without child labour.”

  • Judge in cases against  Nyako, Saraki, Ekweremadu, others dies

    Judge in cases against  Nyako, Saraki, Ekweremadu, others dies

    The number of judges of the Federal High Court dropped by one yesterday with the death of Justice Steven Evoh Chukwu of the court’s Abuja division.

    The judge, who was said to have died early yesterday in an hospital in Garki, Abuja, had been reportedly sick for about a month now.

    Although the court’s management failed to issue a formal statement about judge’s death yesterday, many officials of the court confirmed the development.

    When The Nation visited the deceased judge’s courtroom, Court 9, located on the 4th floor of the courthouse, the officials wore mournful look. The court had not sat for sometime now.

    Before his death, Justice Chukwu was handling major cases like the trial of former Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako and his two children; the trial of former officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu, Taiwo Ogunjobi and others.

    The judge was also handling the case instituted by five Senators led by Abu Ibrahim, seeking to void the election that produced Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu as Senate President and Deputy President.

    Born on August 24, 1964 in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Justice Chukwu was appointed a judge of the Federal High Court on January 3, 2008.

    Before then, he did his one year National Youth Service at Chief Omoniyepe Chambers, 27 Hospital Road Akure,Ondo State between September 18,1988 – September 17, 1989.

    He was Legal Adviser- Karisto Industrial Systems, Km Aba/Enugu Express Road Aba; Associates Counsel, Prince Chika C. Ezerioha and Associates, Orulu Chambers. 118 Ikot Ekpene Road,Aba (between  1982 – 1992) and. Principal Solicitor in  Mezie Ehugbo Chambers, 100 Jubilee Road Aba (between 1992 -2006).

    The late judge attended Ehugbo Central School,Ekoli Edda,Afikpo South First School Leaving Certificate (1971 -1977) and Government Secondary School, Okposi Ohaozara L.G.A Ebonyi State (WASC) 1977 – 1982.

    He attended Imo State University where he studied Law between (1983 and 1987) and the Nigerian Law School between 1987 -1988.

  • Saraki: Amended electoral law ready before 2017

    Saraki: Amended electoral law ready before 2017

    •INEC promises to conclude polls in Rivers, others

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday gave a matching order to the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act are concluded before the end of 2016.

    Saraki’s directive came as INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured that all pending inconclusive elections would be concluded before the end of next month.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, on his part, canvassed that institutionalisation for early and direct primaries by political parties to make the country’s electoral process more credible and to deepen her democracy.

    Saraki, Yakubu and Ekweremadu spoke at a summit on elections with the theme “Legislating for electoral reform” organised by the Senate Committee on INEC.

    The summit seeks to amend the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended).

    The Senate President noted that the necessity to end amendment to the Electoral Act before 2017 was informed to ensure that the amendment did not run into the electioneering period.

    He noted that it becomes more difficult to amend the Act at the period of politics.

    Saraki said: “I have given the matching order that we must conclude the amendment on or at the end of the 2016. My view is that once politics starts it becomes more and more difficult to amend the Act. Especially these days that politics starts early, it is my expectation that by the end of 2016 we shall have amended the Electoral Act.

    “Electoral process must become routine and inviolable. This is attainable. The current National Assembly is poised to provide the missing gaps through its legislative interventions but we will be best served with the advice coming from your recommendations through the committee,”  Saraki insisted.

    According to Ekweremadu, late conduct of primaries by political parties owing mainly to constitutional restrictions posed serious challenges to the electoral system, while the parties’ penchant for indirect primaries had undermined internal democracy in the political parties.

    Stressing the need for Nigeria to learn from international best practices, Ekweremadu said: “In the United States of America, presidential primaries for presidential candidates start about 12 months to the election, culminating in the convention, which is usually a celebration of an already known candidate of the party.

    “In Ghana, although neither the Constitution nor the Electoral Act gives any specific period for the conduct of presidential and parliamentary primaries, individual parties have provisions in their respective constitutions for early primaries.

    On the imperatives of direct primaries, Ekweremadu regretted that while Section 87 (2) of the Electoral Act provides for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions through direct or indirect primaries, parties had always favoured indirect primaries, which, according to him, were less transparent, participatory, and democratic.

    To this end, he suggested the amendment of Section 87 of the Electoral Act to make the conduct of direct primaries compulsory for all political parties, noting that presently, mandatory direct primaries only apply to the election of councillorship candidates.

    Prof Yakubu cited some challenges confronting INEC since the 2015 elections as part of the reasons for the inconclusive elections.

    Prof. Yakubu urged the committee to ensure the inclusion of card readers in the Electoral Act ahead of the conduct of the next general elections.

    Such provision, he said, should also cover the use of other forms of technology to enable INEC have the full-fledged power to deploy any technological innovation it deems fit without any legal hindrance.

    He urged the National Assembly to consider an amendment which will name a specific candidate to inherit the result of an election if a candidate at an election dies before the announcement of election result as was the case in Kogi State following the death of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abubakar Audu, at the November 2015 Kogi governorship election.

  • Saraki, Dogara to Nigerians: pray for peace, unity

    Saraki, Dogara to Nigerians: pray for peace, unity

    President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara have urged Muslim faithful to use the period of this year’s Ramadan to pray for peace, security and God’s intervention in tackling the myriad socio—economic challenges confronting the nation.

    Saraki thanked God for the grace to participate in another holy obligation as enjoined by the Holy Quran.

    He said: “We have entered into another season of rededication to the worship of God and service to humanity. This is a major commandment to mankind and a season of sacrifice and forgiveness. I enjoin all Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace.

    “Let us exploit the grace in this season to seek God’s divine intervention in our lingering economic and security challenges. As a nation, we need God’s power to overcome our present situation. Fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drink and worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah’s power through prayers to be able to faithfully carry out the sublime injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT) who was sent by Almighty Allah to show humanity the way of holiness, peace and brotherly kindness,” he said.

    Dogara said the country is in dire need of special prayers in view of the present state of the economy and the security situation in the nation.

  • Saraki’s trial at CCT resumes Tuesday

    Saraki’s trial at CCT resumes Tuesday

    Senate President Bukola Saraki’s trial before the Code of conduct Tribunal (CCT) will resume on Tuesday.

    Dr. Saraki is standing trial on a 16-count charge of alleged false asset declaration.

    The tribunal on Wednesday adjourned following a request by the prosecution counsel to adjourn to allow its key witness, Micheal Wetkas, attend to another matter at the Federal High Court.

    The CCT, in statement by its head of press and public relation, Ibraheem Al-hassan, said the trails will continue between June 7 and 9.

    “The decision for the adjournment to the new dates was sequel to the abrupt written request from the lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob (SAN) that his PWI Mr. Michael Wetkas was scheduled to testify before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the same date, thus; 1st June 2016,” the statement said

  • Lawyer’s ill-health stalls hearing in Saraki’s appeal

    Lawyer’s ill-health stalls hearing in Saraki’s appeal

    The scheduled hearing in the appeal by Senate President, Bukola Saraki was put off yesterday by the Court of Appeal, Abuja because of information that  the appellant’s lead lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) was sick.

    The appeal was earlier scheduled for last Tuesday for hearing, but was stalled owing to the absence of one of the Justices, preventing a quorum.

    Yesterday, the court’s attention was drawn to a letter by Agabi, seeking an adjournment on the ground that he was indisposed.

    Respondent’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) did not object to Agabi’s request for adjournment, following which the court rescheduled the hearing for July 18.

    Saraki, in his appeal, is challenging his trial for false asset declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), arguing that the tribunal was without jurisdiction.

    The CCT has fixed next Tuesday for the continuation of proceedings in Saraki’s trial.

    The proceeding earlier scheduled to resume on June 1 was put off following the prosecution’s request for adjournment on the ground that it’s witness was engaged in another trial the same day.

    The witness, Michael Wetkas, who had been cross-examined by Saraki’s lawyers for over 10 days, was involved on Wednesday and Thursday as prosecution witness in another case involving former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, his two sons – Aminu and Mustapha – and two companies.

    Saraki’s lawyers are expected to continue their cross-examination of Wetkas on Tuesday.

  • Prosecution witness absence stalls Saraki’s trial at CCT

    Prosecution witness absence stalls Saraki’s trial at CCT

    The absence of prosecution witness stalled proceedings in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday.

    First prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who Saraki’s lawyers had cross-examined for about 10 days, was expected to continue giving evidence in the matter on Wednesday.

    The proceedings scheduled for Wednesday was however put off by the CCT on the strength of a letter from the lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informing the tribunal of the absence of its witness.

    Jacobs sought adjournment to later days because Wetkas was engaged as a prosecution witness in the trial of former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and others before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The CCT, however, did not give any date for resumption of proceedings in the Senate president’s case.

     

  • Democracy best solution to our problems, says Saraki

    Democracy best solution to our problems, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has commended Nigerians for working to sustain democracy in the past 17 years despite the various challenges the country has encountered within the period.

    In a statement to mark this year’s Democracy Day, signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described democracy as not only the most globally accepted system of government but also the best solution to the problems confronting a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria.

    He said in the last 17 years, the electorate had become more discerning and sophisticated as the nation has got to the point that people elected to the various offices are now conscious of the fact that they are under constant watch and when they fail to meet the expectation of the voters, they will be given the red card.

    He said: “It is the first time in our national history that we will have 17 unbroken years of democratically elected governments. Last year, our people demonstrated that our democracy is fast maturing as they voted out a party in power and elected another party. Since then, one can notice how people have become more and more interested in governance and the performance of those elected and appointed into public offices.

    “In my own view, these are signs that our democracy has matured. Our people deserve commendation for that. This positive development is also already reflecting in the quality of governance and the level of development being witnessed across board in the country”, he stated.

    The Senate President urged elected and appointed officials at all levels of government to continue to justify the confidence people reposed in them as he said he and his colleagues in the Senate are conscious of the fact that if they fail to live up to the expectation of the people, the next elections are just around the corner.

    He added that  the nation must improve on the conduct of elections in such a manner that the free will of the electorate will be reflected in the results, adding that for the country to become a matured democracy, elections must be peaceful,  free and fair.

    “The issue of free and fair elections is a joint responsibility for all of us. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must continue to improve on its process and machinery for conduct of elections while the people must learn to shun violence and all forms of unlawful conduct during electioneering. We cannot be celebrating many years of democracy if people still take elections as if it is war and refuse to accept the decision of the majority.”