There are indications that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would move against the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the end of his tenure.
This followed the commencement of fresh investigation by the Commission into all salaries, allowances, estacodes, and payments made to him as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011.
In a letter signed by the EFCC Zonal Head overseeing Kwara, Isyaku Sharu, and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Kwara Government House, the EFCC said the investigation was informed by fresh corruption allegations against Saraki.
The letter entitled: ‘Investigation Activities: Dr. Bukola Saraki’ reads in part:
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to furnish us with the full details of all his entitlements to include but not limited to emoluments, allowances, estacodes, other fringe benefits, and severance package while he held sway as the Executive Governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.
“This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (1) & (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.”
Saraki has been in the eye of the storm since 2015 after conspiring with opposition elements to snatch the Senate Presidency from the anointed candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Shortly after his emergence as the Senate President, the Federal Government dragged him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged false declaration of asset. He was however discharged and acquitted by the Supreme Court.
He subsequently dumped the APC and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested the party's presidential ticket, losing to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Owing to his political sagacity, he was appointed the Campaign Director of the Atiku campaign organization. He, however, failed to deliver himself or his party in the recently concluded general elections.
Saraki who also failed in an attempt to return to the Senate is likely to be arrested by the EFCC after the dissolution of the National Assembly. A reliable source in the EFCC who spoke to Vigil360 said the Commission had "already commenced discreet monitoring of the Senate President in order to thwart his usually fluid moves."