Saraki acquittal, victory for rule of law - Kwara Speaker

Date: 2017-06-14

 

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, has described the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Asset Declaration charge by the Senate President , Dr. Bukola Saraki, as victory for rule of law in Nigeria.

The Legislature under the leadership of the Speaker , Dr. Ali Ahmad made this observation while reacting to the ruling of the CCT .

In a statement that he personally signed, the Speaker said with the discharge and acquittal of the Senate President, the Judiciary had demonstrated its impartiality and independence by formally declaring an innocent man innocent.

The statement which called for strengthening of institutions in the war against corruption, said all arms of government must collaborate to make the nation triumph over the menace which has done incalculable damage to the psyche of the nation .

The Speaker equally called for improved relationship between the executive arm of government and the National Assembly in the task of making democracy more meaningful for the average Nigerian. "Trial in Nigeria is by the judge, it is neither by the jury nor by the media", the Speaker declared. He advised federal prosecutors to try to convince only the judges, rather than securing headlines in the media.

The legislator also enjoined the hierarchy of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) to ensure cohesion in the party to enable the it deliver its electoral promises and further reinforce Nigerians' confidence in the ability of the party to lead the country out of economic doldrums.

The statement which also urged the Senate President to see the tribulations as a means of rededicating himself towards serving the nation and the common man, expressed confidence that the nation would benefit tremendously from his wealth of experience in leading the nation to the promised land. He commended the Senate President for refusing to be distracted from performing his duties while astutely defending himself.