‘Delay Tactics Will Not Reduce Consequence of Saraki’s Trial’

By Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar, on Tuesday said that Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki  would face the full consequences of the charges of alleged false declaration of assets brought against him by the Federal Government in spite of  alleged delay of his trial.

The tribunal chairman, who was reacting to the allegation of delay tactics by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, against Saraki’s lawyer, said that the consequences of the trial and the charges would in no way be reduced on the accused person by his tribunal.

Umar, who spoke just before the defence counsel, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, was about to begin cross examination of the prosecution witness, Mr. Micheal Wetkas, said that he had taken note of the delay tactics being employed by Saraki’s lawyers and warned that the tactics would not in any way affect the consequences of the trial of the defendant.

“I am not happy at the delay tactics by the defence counsel. And I must say this thing out that this delay tactic will not reduce the consequences the defendant will meet from this tribunal at the end of the trial”.

However, Saraki’s lead counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, who was taken aback by the remark of  the CCT chairman, asked the chairman what he meant by the consequences of the tribunal.

Agabi told the tribunal chairman that he and his client were worried about “assumed prejudices”.

The former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) cautioned the tribunal against influence from opposition and enemies, adding that the defence team was against “assumed prejudices” as it is against justice.

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