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Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki: Senate’ll assist Ebonyi recover money spent on Federal roads

    Saraki: Senate’ll assist Ebonyi recover money spent on Federal roads

    President of the Senate Bukola Saraki has assured the Ebonyi State government that the Senate will help recover the N26 billion it spent on renovating Federal roads.

    Saraki spoke at Christ the King Catholic Church, Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area during a thanksgiving service for the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba.

    He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political and religious affiliations, to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in building the country.

    The senate president promised that the Senate will continue to pass bills that would positively touch the lives of all citizens.

    He lauded the state government for constructing some federal roads to alleviate the people’s suffering, promising to ensure that the money spent on the projects was recovered from the Federal Government.

    Governor Dave Umahi urged the Federal Government to refund the money, stressing that the state needs it to tackle other developmental challenges.

    Umahi said the state would soon write to the National Assembly that Ebonyi state be included in the list of states to be assisted for its Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    He explained that many of its indigenes have been displaced following the crisis that rocked it and the neighbouring Benue, Enugu, Abia and Cross River states.

  • Saraki finally liberated to face trial

    Saraki finally liberated to face trial

    After a prolonged effort to avoid trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for an offence related to false declaration of assets, Senate President Bukola Saraki has finally exhausted all means of appeal. The Supreme Court ruled last Friday that they could find no excuse to enable him avoid trial. In the opinion of Dr Saraki, the trial is a political witch-hunt inspired by his enemies within the APC after he snatched the top senate seat with Machiavellian flourish. But on such issues and cases as Dr Saraki will be tried, the courts are less inclined to entertain motives and political panache than they are concerned with cruel and gnawing actualities. The apex court at last decided that Dr Saraki should go to the tribunal and prove the innocence he talked so animatedly of, instead of the politics he whispered so surreptitiously about.

    Though the National Assembly did their best to bring suspicious pressure to bear on the president of the CCT, and the defendants themselves had taken exception to the composition of the conduct court, there is nothing exceptionally strong enough now to bar a trial. The trial may not be accompanied by the kind of political theatrics that nearly smothered it to death in the early weeks of the case, but it is guaranteed to be messy, loud, embarrassing and portentous for Dr Saraki. His stay in office will depend on  the outcome of the case, though there will be pressure on him to relinquish office while the trial lasts. Alas, his freedom and political future may also depend on the outcome of the case, a prospect considerably more galling than any he has ever encountered, not even his alleged involvement in the Societe General Bank case.

    The prosecution says it requires only a few days and eight witnesses to prove the guilt of Dr Saraki. Like the Senate President, they will have the chance to walk their talk in court. Not many people are hopeful that some political agreements can be hammered out to bring the case to a nullity. If that hope is not misplaced, Dr Saraki is guaranteed to go through very trying and disruptive moments in the months ahead. At the end, he will be broken or made.

  • Supreme Court: Saraki must face trial

    Supreme Court: Saraki must face trial

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)  yesterday got the green light from the Supreme Court to proceed with the 13-count false asset declaration charge brought against Senate President Bukola Saraki  by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    The apex  court, in a unanimous verdict  of a seven-man bench led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, dismissed Saraki’s appeal to stop the trial and asked him to submit  himself for prosecutional.

    It said the appeal lacked merit.

    Moment  after the ruling yesterday,the Senate President expressed disappointment at the pronouncement of the Supreme Court, but was optimistic that he would triumph ultimately.

    Saraki had challenged among others, the composition of the CCT, its jurisdiction and the legality of the charge brough against him, on the ground that it was not personally endorsed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    His   legal team comprised  seven Senior Advocates and  a Professor of Law, among others. The Senior Advocates are:  Joseph Daudu, Yusuf Ali, Ahmed Raji, Adebayo Adelodun, Saka Issau, Mahmud Magaji and Kehinde Eleja. The law professor is Wahab Egbewole.

    In the lead judgment, Justice Wallter Onnoghen, upheld the argument by the respondents’ lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), to the effect that the tribunal forms a quorum and could validly conduct proceedings where the Chairman and one of the constitutionally prescribed two members are present.

    Justice Onoghen was of the view that, where one of the two members is absent, the Chairman and a member, as was the case during Saraki’s arraignment,  could validly conduct proceedings.

    Saraki had, in his appeal, argued that the tribunal’s two members must sit with the Chairman (making three members) before the tribunal could validly conduct proceedings.

     Justice Onoghen also held that the tribunal was by the provisions of its enabling laws and the Constitution conferred with the quasi-criminal jurisdiction and thus could validly issue bench warrant.

    As against Saraki’s contention, Justice Onoghen held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 was applicable to the proceedings of the tribunal.

    He dismissed the allegation by Saraki that he was not properly served with the charges and also held that the charges filed before the CCT prior to  the appointment of the Attorney-General of the Federation were valid.

    Justice Onoghen noted that there was an attempt by Saraki to intimidate the CCT by claiming that it disobeyed the order of a Federal High Court barring it from continuing with the proceedings pending the determination of a suit filed by the Senate President to challenge the trial.

    “I have looked at the records, there is no where such order  was made,” Justice Onoghen said.

    The CJN, Justices Tanko Muhammad, Sylvester Ngwuta, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chima Nweze and Amiru Sanusi, who are members of the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

    Justice Onoghen said: “The lower court (Court of Appeal), in considering the issue, had come to the conclusion that the Code of Conduct Tribunal is a tribunal with limited criminal jurisdiction. However, looking closely at the provisions of the 5th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, earlier referred to in this judgment, it is safer to hold that the said tribunal has a quasi-criminal jurisdiction designed by the 1999 Constitution.

    “It is a peculiar tribunal crafted by the Constitution. In this circumstance, I hold the view that, as a tribunal with quasi-criminal jurisdiction, with authority to be guided by the Criminal Procedure Act or Code in the conduct of its proceedings, it can legally issue bench warrant for the purpose of carrying out its quasi-criminal jurisdiction.

    “I should not be understood as saying that the Code of Conduct Tribunal is a court of superior record or jurisdiction with relevant inherent powers and sanctions, but that, as a quasi-criminal tribunal/court, it has the  necessary powers to put into effect, its mandate of ensuring accountability, probity, transparency, etc in public office,” Justice Onoghen held.

    In resolving the issue as to whether or not a low ranking  officer, filing a charge in the absence of a substantive AGF must prove authorization , the justice  held that the power to initiate criminal proceedings by any officer of the department of the AGF, is not dependent on the office of the AGF having an incumbent.

    He  held that since the position of the law is that the Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF) could act in the absence of a substantive AGF,  a law officer in the Federal Ministry of Justice – M.S. Hassan (then, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice and now, a judge of the Federal High Court),  who initiated the proceedings was in order as there was no dispute as regards whether or not he was authorized by the SGF.

    As regards Saraki’s complaint that the tribunal disregarded a Federal High Court’s order staying its proceedings, Justice Onoghen held: “ In any case, there is no order of the Federal High Court staying proceedings of the tribunal which was disobeyed by the tribunal.

    “I hold the view that the instant issue is an attempt at intimidating the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which is very unfortunate. In the circumstance, I find this issue, like the others already considered, of no merit and is accordingly resolved against the appellant.

    “Having resolved issues 1 to 5 against the appellant, I see no need to consider issue 6 because such a consideration will serve no useful purpose. In fact, issue 6 has already been resolved in substance against the appellant during my consideration of issue 2.

    “In conclusion, I find no merit in the appeal, which is accordingly dismissed. The judgment of the lower court, delivered on the 30th day of October 2015 dismissing the appeal of the appellant against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal of 18th September 2015 is hereby affirmed,” Justice Onoghen said.

    The huge audience in court, comprising mostly Saraki’s supporters and associates, suddenly went silent on hearing the court’s final pronouncement.  They later departed the court in trickles, with some expressing loudly, their disappointment.

    Saraki, in his reaction to the judgment,  said he was disappointed by the court’s decision.

    His spokesperson, Yusuf Olaniyonu, in a statement in Abuja shortly after the verdict was delivered said:

    “After listening to the ruling of the Supreme Court in the appeal he filed to challenge the process of arraigning him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, hereby states as follows :

    “He expresses disappointment over the judgment of the apex court in the country on the six grounds of his appeal

    “He, however, will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.

    “The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.

    “Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case.”

  • Saraki disappointed over Supreme Court ruling

    Saraki disappointed over Supreme Court ruling

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has expressed disappointment at the ruling by the Supreme Court dismissing his appeal against his trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

    A statement issued on Friday by his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, noted that the Senate President was alarmed that the apex court dismissed the six grounds on which he filed the appeal.

    The statement reads: “The Senate President however will like to put it on record that the facts of the substantial matter are not before the Supreme Court since the apex court was only invited to rule on some preliminary issues in the process of commencing the trial.

    “The Senate President believes he will have his day in the court to prove his innocence of the charges preferred against him during the trial proper.

    “Dr. Saraki will like to thank everyone who has expressed support for him from the beginning of the case. He assures everyone that at the end of the day truth will prevail and justice will be served.”

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  • Supreme Court okays Saraki’s trial at CCT

    Supreme Court okays Saraki’s trial at CCT

    The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by the  Senate President Bukola Saraki to stop his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)  for lack of merit.

    The  6-man panel of judges  led by Justice Walter ruled that the CCT was properly constituted to exercise jurisdiction over the Senate President’s trial.

  • CCT: Saraki knows fate today

    CCT: Saraki knows fate today

    [dropcap]C[/dropcap]an the chairman and  a member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) conduct proceedings where the Constitution says it must be constituted by two members and a chairman?

    Was the CCT wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, charged with false asset declaration, without one of its members?

    These are some of the issues to be decided today by the Supreme Court as it delivers judgment in the appeal brought before it by Saraki.

    Saraki appealed the October 30, 2015, judgment of the Court of Apeal, Abuja, which dismissed his appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him for alleged false declaration of assets.

    Saraki was arraigned before the CCT on September 22, last year on a 13-count after initial resistance, prompting the tribunal to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.

    Although he pleaded not guilty to the charge, he not only challenged the power of the CCT to try him, but the composition of the tribunal and the legality of the charge, which he said was not endorsed by the attorney general of the federation (AGF).

    In its October 30 judgment, a three-man panel of the appellate court, in a split decision of two-to-one held that Saraki’s appeal lacked merit.

    Justices Moore Adumein and Mohammed Mustapha resolved the six issues in favour of the respondents, including the CCT, while Justice Joseph Ekanem dissented on one issue, which was whether an official of the Federal Ministry of Justice was competent to endorse a charge in the absence of the AGF.

     While Justices Adumein (who read the lead judgment) and Mustapha dismissed the appeal, Justice Ekanem upheld the appeal, discharged and quashed the Senate president’s trial before the CCT.

    Justice Adumein rejected Saraki’s arguments, including his contention that the CCT, being an inferior body to the Federal High Court, ought not to have proceeded with his trial despite an order by the court.

    He held that Saraki’s complaint about not being personally served with the charge “was of no consequence having appeared and taken his plea before the tribunal.”

    On whether two of the CCT’s three members formed a quorum, Justice Adumein, noted a “lacuna”  in the law,  but held that the Interpretation Act provided that a member of the tribunal and its chairman could sit and conduct proceedings.

    Justice Adumein upheld the argument by the respondents’ lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN),  that by Section 28 of the Interpretation Act, two members of the tribunal (including the chairman) form a quorum to validly conduct its proceedings

    He also held that by Section 174(1) and (2) of the Constitution, where there is no substantive AGF, any law officer in the Office of the AGF could validly file charges.

    On the tribunal not being a court, Justice Adumein held that “there is no inherent difference between the tribunal and the court.”

  • Saraki: we’ll give breakdown of National Assembly’s N115b budget

    Saraki: we’ll give breakdown of National Assembly’s N115b budget

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday promised to give details of the N115 billion National Assembly 2016 budget “section by section”.

    The lawmakers’ budget, he said, will be put into the public domain as against the practice of one item.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the renovated Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Saraki’s response may be a tacit reply to corruption charges levelled against the National Assembly by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in its   letter to federal lawmakers.

    He said it was wrong for anybody to hold an individual or group of people solely responsible for what happened in the past.

    The Senate president noted that rather than trading words on the problems of the country, what was needed from stakeholders was collective participation for the good of Nigerians.

    He said: “We’ve been here since 1999 to the recent past when things were not done right; we are part of it.

    “I was there; you were there and every other political office holder was there.

    “My own view from the Eighth National Assembly is that the time for collective participation for the good of Nigerians is here with us in line with the change mantra of this administration.

    “We are on the same page for things to be done differently.

    “I think what we need now from stakeholders, is more of cooperation, encouragement and participation as opposed to trying to hold one person responsible for the mistakes of the past that we are part of. It is clearly not the right thing needed now.

    “I appeal to you and Nigerians that we should work together, just as I assure you that we will do well here in the National Assembly to practically complement the change agenda.”

    Saraki added that the National Assembly would come up with an amendment bill on the procurement process to ensure strict and transparent implementation of the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget.

    He added that “before we put our signatories to it, we need to be sure of its implementability.”

    The Senate president noted that if the 2016 budget was going to be realistic and successful, emphasis should be on the non-oil and independent revenue-generating sources.

    He reiterated that the Eighth Senate would focus on the revenue-generating areas and to ensure that leakages are blocked.

    Saraki added that though the 2016 budget proposal was ambitious, it could be achieved if all that was necessary to make it work was put in place.

    Asked if the 2016 budget was implementable in view of the dwindling price of crude oil at the international market, Saraki said: “I think this is one of the reasons why we are having the MDAs defend their proposals before the committees to be able to test some of the scenarios and some of the assumptions, particularly on the revenue side. If you look at the revenue, of about N3.8 trillion, N3 trillion is coming from non-oil and independent revenue.

    “The success of the budget, in my view, is less on the benchmark. It is more on those two items – non-oil revenue and independent revenue – and that is why we directed our Committee on Finance and other relevant committees to scrutinise the revenue side.

    “Even the Senate leadership intends to engage the ministries as well to check those two lines, because that is where the questions come on whether it is achievable. Before we put our signatures to it, we need to be sure those funds are there.

    “I believe they are ambitious but it is a good sign, because it begins to make us less dependent on oil. Because if N830 billion is coming from oil revenue and it is only 23 per cent. So, even if the price of oil goes down or up, we are not really so much vulnerable than that of the time oil revenue was accounting for 70 of our revenue. From that point of view, I believe that once we can do that, it is achievable.”

    He also advised the executive to put a proper plan in place for implementing the budget now that the National Assembly is working to pass it in record time.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi said the Press Centre was refurbished to create a befitting working environment for journalists reporting the activities of the Senate.

     

  • Saraki: we must lay bare Senate’s budget

    Saraki: we must lay bare Senate’s budget

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said yesterday that he believes the Senate’s budget should be laid bare.

    A preliminary response to Obasanjo’s letter made available by Saraki’s Special Adviser, Media Yusuph Olaniyonu, said:

    “Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki today acknowledged that he received a letter from former President Olusegun Obasanjo in which the latter called the attention of the National Assembly to some issues.

    “Dr. Saraki will want to assure President Obasanjo that the leadership and membership of the eighth Senate are committed to good governance, transparency, accountability, due process and responsiveness to the economic reality of our nation. It is for this reason that the legislative chamber has introduced bold and progressive reforms in the management of the finances of the National Assembly.

    “This is of even greater importance during a tough fiscal period for our country. Like I said today in my closing address at the plenary after our debate on the 2016 Budget, the Senate must lead by example in terms of our own funding, budgets and accountability – showing, beyond doubt, value for money.

    “I have canvassed that we must lay bare the budget of the Senate, nay the National Assembly and its affiliated institutions.

    “I equally canvassed the need to strengthen the capacity of the legislative institution to carry our effective oversight of the executive arm so that we can ensure the budget leads to the realisation of the policy objectives of the Buhari Administration.

    “Again, let me reiterate my position in the speech I made this morning on the need for us to work towards blocking all areas of revenue leakages while also strengthening the anti-corruption agencies so that the little resources that are now available will serve the interest of the overwhelming majority.

    “As a former President and a father of the nation that we all hold in high esteem , I intend to reply the letter and outline the actions the Senate is taking to address his concerns.

    “In conclusion, I appreciate President Obasanjo for his consistent role in always reminding those of us in government about our responsibilities to the general public and offering timely advice where necessary.”

  • 2016 Budget scales second reading in Senate

    2016 Budget scales second reading in Senate

    The controversial 2016 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday scaled second reading in the Senate as Senators concluded debate on the general principles of the bill.

    The Bill was thereafter committed to the Committee on Appropriation to coordinate budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his concluding remarks warned senators against financial inducement in the course of budget defence by MDAs.

    He said any lawmaker involved in unwholesome conduct in the course of budget defence would not be spared.

    The Senate President said the Senate would not tolerate conducts capable of undermining the integrity of the Chamber.

    On the general principles of the budget, Saraki said the proposal was a major departure from past budgets, particularly with regard to withdrawing focus on oil as major revenue source for funding the budget.

    He said, “This to me and to all of us is the most important area of this budget in the sense that it will be a great foundation not only for today but for the future if this can be achieved.

    “Also, with the pegging of capital expenditure at 30 per cent, a number of comments were made about the level of borrowing, but I think what matters is what the money is used for.

    “On the percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we are still within the limits and parameters, but what is important is to ensure that the money is judiciously used for what it is meant for.”

    Saraki noted the National Assembly would take a critical look at the budgetary allocation to the agricultural and solid mineral sectors because they were potential revenue earners if effectively explored.

     

  •  Will Saraki get reprieve at Supreme Court?

     Will Saraki get reprieve at Supreme Court?

    The Supreme Court will, on February 5, decide whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) can try Senate President Bukola Saraki for alleged false asset declaration. ADEBISI ONANUGA reviews the case.

    On February 5, the Supreme Court will decide whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) can adjudicate on the criminal proceedings instituted against Senate President Bukola Saraki for alleged false declaration of assets by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). Being the highest court in the land, its decision on the matter is crucial. It will determine whether CCB can proceed in the matter.

    The Senate president had approached the Supreme Court following the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division’s split decision which dismissed his appeal over his trial before the CCT. Presiding Justice A. A. Adumien Moore and Justice Mohammed Mustapha dismissed the appeal; Justice Joseph Ekanem delivered a dissenting judgement.

    Saraki is praying the apex court to set aside the criminal charges. His contention is that the CCT is not competent to try him.  He argued that it is constitutionally mandated that any CCT panel must comprise three members as against the two which the tribunal set up to try him is composed of, among other issues.

    Because of the serious constitutional issues raised by Saraki’s counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN),   the Supreme Court has empanelled the full court of seven justices to adjudicate on the matter.

    If the apex court goes by the majority decision of the Court of Appeal, it will uphold the trial of  the Senate President by the CCT. The court, in reference to section 28 of the Interpretation Act will also hold that the tribunal led by Justice Danladi Umar could sit with the chairman and one other member and restate the position of the lower court that the CCT and CCB Act and the Constitution did not  talk about a quorum.

    But in the matter of the minority decision of the Court of Appeal, the apex court will have to contend with three key issues viz: the interpretation of paragraph 15 (1) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution regarding the composition of the tribunal; the issue of whether the CCT is a court of criminal jurisdiction  as well as finding answer as to whether a lawyer in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) can file charges at the tribunal without the AGF’s express authorisation as contained in Section 174 (1) of the 1999 constitution, as amended.

    Paragraph 15 (1) of the Fifth Schedule provides that the CCT shall consist of a Chairman and two members. It reads: “There shall be established a tribunal to be known as Code of Conduct Tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and two other persons”.  And in respect of the number of persons making up the tribunal, Section 20 (2) of the CCB and CCT Act, simply says “consist of” and not “quorum”.

    Since its judgment of last October 30, there have been diverse opinion from legal minds on the decision, most of them centering on whether or not the CCT is a court of records, whether or not it has power to try criminal matters  and whether or not it is inferior to a high court.

    For instance, a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice A. G. Karibi-Whyte in his analysis of the provisions said it appears from the enabling law that the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)is confined and limited to the conduct clearly outlined in paragraphs 1 – 13 of the Fifth Schedule.

    He noted: “It is pertinent to observe that the law which enables the CCT to try persons who have contravened the provisions of the Code have carefully avoided the use of the expression ‘criminal’ to describe the conduct so punished.  It does not contemplate any other conduct.  Rather it provides in paragraph 18(3) that the sanctions in paragraph 18 (2) may be imposed, without prejudice to the penalties in any law where the conduct is also a criminal offence.”

    He said the expression, public officer, public office have also been defined.  On the limited jurisdiction of the CCT, Justice Karibi-Whyte said: “Its jurisdiction is limited to the subject matter listed therein and a prescribed by the National Assembly. “The Code of Conduct Tribunal has not been vested with exercise of criminal jurisdiction even by implication of the scope allowed in the sanction it can impose.”

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) referred to Section 6 of the Constitution which listed the superior courts and emphasised that the CCB and the National Industrial court are not listed.

    He concluded that since CCB is not listed as a superior court, then it is an inferior court, adding that because of its being an inferior court, it is amenable to the judicial review jurisdiction of a superior court of record, such as the Federal High Court.

    But to another lawyer, Vincent Okwechime, whether or not the CCT established under Section 15 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution is an inferior court is debatable.

    “It seems to me that the CCT is also a Superior Court of Record with specific jurisdiction in certain matters, viz, violations of the Conduct of Conduct prescribed for public officers outlined in the self-same Fifth Schedule. In this regard, it seems to be a Superior Court of Record similar to and having coordinate jurisdiction with the High Courts (including the Federal High Court) established in Chapter VII. Accordingly, the CCT is not a mere administrative/quasi-judicial body like the NJC and other such institutions established by various schedules to the Constitution,” he argued.

    Okwechime wondered where a High Court would derive its power to interfere in proceedings of the CCT. He said the only conceivable provision that may considered as according such powers to high courts is Section 46 of Chapter IV on Fundamental Rights which empowers such courts to entertain matters in which the applicant is alleging past, actual or potential breaches of his/her fundamental rights.

    He contended that  the case against anyone in the CCT has nothing to do with fundamental rights. To him, the assertion of a fundamental right is no defence to a charge before the CCT nor can a court empowered under Section 46 use that section of the Constitution as a cover for interfering in the functions of the CCT.

    According to him, the CCT is a court of coordinate jurisdiction empowered by Section 46. He said litigants, aided and abetted by some courts, hide under section 46 to frustrate legitimate trials. He contended, however, that the same method cannot be used against the CCT using the instrumentality of a High Court or Federal High Court.