NEWS

I’m Not Bothered By FG’s Appeal Against CCT Ruling – Saraki

Published

8 years ago

June 23, 2017

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Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Friday said he is unperturbed over the decision of the federal government to appeal the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged false assets declaration.

Saraki stated this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu.

The statement reads, “Following the decision of the Federal Government to file an appeal against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), which upheld the plea of no case submission he made on the 18-count charge of false asset declaration preferred against him, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, wishes to reiterate his earlier position that he remains unperturbed by the development.

Dr. Saraki is confident that the verdict at the appellate court would not be different from that of the tribunal as the facts of the case remain the same and the grounds on which the decision of the CCT was based remain unassailable.

Anybody who has been following the proceedings and the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses during examination in chief and cross examination should know that if presented before any court of Justice and law, the same outcome as in the CCT would be arrived at. Those who are running commentary on the ruling by the Tribunal and criticizing it are those who are not even familiar with the case and the details coming out of the trial.

That is why Dr. Saraki continues to wonder how desperate some people in government and their collaborators outside have become to pull him down at all cost and by all means up to the point that they do not care if they destroy the institution of the judiciary in the process. That is why they sponsored stories of allegation of bribery in an online publication against the Tribunal judges. The Senate President seizes this opportunity to call on security agencies to immediately commence investigation on this bribery allegation. It is his views that those who made the allegation should be invited to substantiate their claims.

This same desperation made a man like Prof. Itse Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC) to appear on tape admitting in a foreign country that he interfered with the process in the Tribunal when in an unethical manner he was instructing the judge on how to conduct the trial. Corruption is not just about giving or diverting money. When an official interferes with the judicial process with a view to achieve personal objectives, that is corruption.

The Senate President notes that another sign of desperation by those who want to get him convicted at all cost was the failed antics of the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, who in collusion with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought to manipulate evidence at the tribunal. On realising the fundamental flaw in its case as it did not invite the defendant to make any statement at any point in the investigation, the prosecution brought in an agent of the EFCC to tender old statements Saraki made in a totally different and unrelated matter that had nothing to do with false asset declaration. The prosecution forgot that the letter inviting Saraki to make the tendered statements explicitly mentioned the matter being investigated. At least, there are documents to prove this. The prosecution tried to circumvent the judicial process by ensuring that the witness did not enter into the witness box so as not to be on oath. However, the tribunal, as it is obvious in its ruling, saw through the dirty trick. It therefore disregarded that piece of evidence and described it as irrelevant and of no value to the case.

If not desperation by the prosecution, why is the EFCC so involved in a case of false asset declaration which is an exclusive preserve of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)? All the evidence presented during the trial were from the EFCC. The Commission rendered the CCB a second fiddle player. That is why the only CCB witness presented by the prosecution gave what the tribunal referred to as ‘hearsay evidence’. The CCB chief prosecutor testified that he got his instruction to investigate the case orally. He made his report from the investigation orally. Even the directive to ‘collaborate with EFCC’ on the investigation was given orally, a development the tribunal found strange and unknown to law.

All these antics aimed at perverting the course of justice were obvious throughout the period of the tribunal’s sitting. Though, one is conscious of the fact that the anti-graft agency and its allied bodies are frantically looking for a poster-case to sell its anti-corruption campaign and there is the hunger for conviction in a celebrated case to advertise in the international arena government’s determination to pursue the anti-graft campaign, we implore them to achieve this aim by allowing Justice to take its normal course.

This Appeal against the CCT ruling is nothing but another attempt to grandstand and embark on another media trial without any substance. This is why the Senate President is sure it will be another exercise in futility.

Dr. Saraki has demonstrated his unflinching belief in and respect for the judicial process and its ability to resolve issues relating to fundamental rights of Nigerians. That belief in the judiciary is the basis for his assurance that the position of the CCT that he is not guilty of the charges preferred against him would be sustained in the higher courts.”

NEWS

JUST-IN: Gov Fubara returns to Port Harcourt as Tinubu ends Emergency Rule

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2025

Editor Editor

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.

His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.

Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.

During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.

The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.

In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.

By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.

NEWS

Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds

Published

8 hours ago

September 19, 2025

Ebriku John Friday

Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.

As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.

The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.

“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.

The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.

Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.

About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.

NEWS

South East NUJ hosts homecoming, awards Chris Isiguzo Lifetime Achievement Honour

Published

8 hours ago

September 19, 2025

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The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.

Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.

Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.

The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.

In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.

Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.

The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.