The corruption trial of Nigeria’s embattled
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is finally
underway in Abuja after he lost another effort
to have it adjourned and the drama
prolonged.
Lawyers to Mr. Saraki, led by Paul Usoro,
arrived at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)
armed with a motion for adjournment,
claiming they had again filed an appeal to
stop the trial, a game they have played for
many months.
Federal prosecutor Rotimi Jacobs resisted the
effort, spiritedly telling the court he was ready
for trial. He repeatedly told the court that the
so-called appeal was nothing but another
ruse, pointing out that the paperwork
submitted by Mr. Saraki's lawyer shows that a
proper appeal had not been filed because the
Supreme Court had already ruled on the
matters being appealed.
After both sides argued on points of law, a
member of the tribunal was so alarmed at the
antics of Saraki's lawyers that he wondered
aloud why Nigeria is still stuck at the tactics
being crudely employed by Saraki at the trial.
The tribunal took a short break and upon
returning, rejected Saraki's application, saying
it lacked merit. The trial thereafter
commenced after the chair of the tribunal
shot down yet another attempt by the defence
at an adjournment.
Prosecutor Jacobs then called his first witness
for the day: Michael Wetas, who was a
detective at the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission.
With Mr. Saraki at the CCT today are about 30
Senators, only one-third of the dense crowd
that has usually accompanied him from the
Upper House. Also noticeably absent is his
leading counsel, Kanu Agabi. http://saharareporters.com/2016/04/05/corruption-trial-senate-president-saraki-commences-cct-rejects-request-adjournment

Tinubu Fashola should get ready..saraki is clean.