The acquittal of the Senate President at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges bothering on false asset declaration has been roundly condemned by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The group claims that the ruling indicates apparent shortcomings in the nation's administration of criminal justice system and called on the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to urgently drag Saraki before the United Nations International Commission Against Corruption and Impunity to ensure that the matter is pursued to a logical conclusion.
In a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale on Thursday in Abuja, SERAP held that the discharge and acquittal of the Senate President of all charges have dented the current administration's anti-corruption war and the notion that political office holders, no matter how highly placed would be held accountable.
The statement reads “The acquittal yesterday of the Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) of corruption charges suggests serious shortcomings in the criminal justice system, and means that a complementary and supportive mechanism in the form of a UN-backed commission against corruption and impunity in Nigeria is urgently needed to achieve President Muhammadu Buhari’s oft-stated anti-corruption agenda.”
The group expressed optimism that the UN Commission would assist our justice system by prosecuting complex corruption cases especially those involving high profile politicians. It concluded by requesting the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to urgently appealed the ruling of the CCT to ensure that the matter is diligently prosecuted.
Vigil360 had earlier reported that the Senate President was cleared of all charges bothering on false asset declaration on Wednesday by the CCT. The ruling followed a no-case application filed by Saraki’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN.
