Ade Adesomoju and Leke Baiyewu

The Senate on Friday described the forgery case against the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, as a distraction to the lawmaking body.

It said the withdrawal of the case against them by the Federal Government confirmed its position that the nation could not afford any sharp division among the various arms of the government.

The Federal Government had arraigned Saraki, Ekweremadu, and two other officials of the National Assembly for alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules used in electing leaders in the Senate on June 9, 2015.

However, the Federal Government withdrew the charges preferred against them on Friday.

The Senate, in a statement by its Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, on Friday, said the decision to withdraw the case and its subsequent dismissal, as well as the discharge of the defendants, had confirmed its earlier position that the case was an abuse of court process, having been dismissed earlier by the court.

The Senate said, “We have always said that that case was politically motivated. The executive cannot decide for the legislature the genuineness or otherwise of the Senate Standing Rules.

“However, where there is a crack in the wall, it is easy for others to capitalise on our differences. Now that senators have closed their ranks, the executive is only taking the right cue. We are happy with this development.

“We believe it is a sign of good things to come. It is a victory for democracy; a victory for separation of powers, checks and balances and constitutionalism. We commend the judiciary for its continuous dedication and commitment to the rule of law in our democracy.

“We restate our confidence in the ability of the judiciary to adjudicate and dispense justice in all matters in the polity which, no doubt, greatly contributes to national productivity. Our commendation also goes to the Federal Ministry of Justice for being courageous enough to do the right thing.”

The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly also called on the executive to withdraw other cases with political colouration.

The Senate said, “There is an emergency in the country. The economy is in crisis. This has resulted in escalating and excruciating poverty among our people. Social problems are on the rise. There are conflicts across the country. National values are being eroded. Crucial infrastructure and social services are collapsing. These are the things that should pre-occupy our minds, especially now that our economy is in recession.

“The international community will take us more seriously when they see that everybody in the national leadership is speaking along the same line to solve the economic problem, encourage productivity, create employment, promote discipline and work to make our country great.”

In a related development, Ekweremadu has said he had forgiven those behind his trial for the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules upon which he got into office.

Ekweremadu, in a statement he personally signed and issued on Friday, said, “Today, time has indeed vindicated the just and it is a victory for democracy. This day, my trust in God, the court and the overwhelming solidarity of the good people of Nigeria is justified.

“As a Christian, I have forgiven all those behind this, for ultimately, God is the driver of the destinies of men. I believe that, going forward, we must also learn to be just to all, in accordance with our Oath of Office.”

The Federal Government had on Friday withdrawn the forgery charges it instituted in June 2016 against Saraki, Ekweremadu, and two others.

The lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Aliyu Umar (SAN), told the trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, of the Jabi Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that the charges were withdrawn because of a pending case related to the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said, “This government respects the rule of law and hierarchy of the judiciary. It is obvious from these two applications (filed by Saraki and Ekweremadu) and the similar case before your learned brother, Justice Kolawole, at the Federal High Court, who is dealing with the issue that we are withdrawing the charges.

“It is trite that two matters on the same subject matter cannot be before different courts of coordinate jurisdiction at the same time. Therefore, the amended charge, dated October 5, 2016 and also the original charge, dated June 10, 2016 and filed the same date (should) be struck out and all the four defendants be discharged.”

The case before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which was referred to by the prosecutor was a civil case filed by a serving Senator, Gilbert Nnaji, to challenge the then ongoing investigation into the forgery of the Senate rule, which Saraki and others were accused of.

The application by Umar for the withdrawal of the charges was not opposed by the defence lawyers, comprising of Messrs Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN), Mahmud Magaji (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Joseph Daudu (SAN).

Both Erokoro (Ekweremadu’s lawyer) and Daudu (Saraki’s lawyer) described Umar as a “courageous” lawyer for his decision to withdraw the case after his assessment of the available evidence.



http://punchng.com/saraki-ekweremadus-forgery-trial-distraction-senate/

It was really an unnecessary distraction.

An Unwarranted Distraction

But such media distractions are like opiums to thier faithful Zombies....


Confused Federal Government


Confused Imo State Government




#IStandWithSamDaddy 2019

Some people will reject food today

Na now they know.

Smh..Been saying this a long
time.The National Assembly is a cesspool of corrupt individuals..

Good For them

Ok

I think those gullible youths can see that no matter the level of the crime of out thieving politicians, it can still be forgiven. And when an hungry man steals bread on the street of Lagos, the thief is burnt alive while we celebrate our politicians when they loot our common wealth. We even give them chieftaincy titles for stealing from us. I don't like any politician. Non. Just imagine how many poor Nigerians that are in prisons spread across the country today for forgery. The same forgery is no more crime in the dictionary of our public office holders. Nigeria is a place where thieving politicians are publicly celebrated. What a nation we live in.

Shraki, Ekwerenmadu, etal...We the entire Southerners: Igbos, Yorubas, Edos, Benue... seems to be the most gullible and foolish region. Igbos are celiberating the gang up against Tinubu. The everly inconsiderate
devilish north has perfected the game of playing us
against one another. Igbos claim to be wise,
Yorubas claim to be sophisticated, but alas they
are both egoistically senseless and perpetually
foolish going for each others jugular at the slightest
nudging of the north.

A plan to frustrate Tinubu by 2019...

I thought the case remains in the Federal High Court and not Abuja High Court.

So where is this celebration coming from?

Lai and Malami should clear this confusion .

I believe the FG is making a very strong statement to APC SW leaders its either "you are with buhari or you are against him(with TINUBU)". Just to spit BAT FG hand to withdraw cases against senate leadership... As for me #IstandWITHtinubu(againstPMB)

where are the wailers in the senate such as Marafa et. al i guess since they have given him a juicy committe to chair he has shut his mouth. that is to tell us that all politicians are after their own pocket and nothing else.
i wont be surprise if the CCT case is dismissed as well

I agree. It's a needless distraction caused by tinubu the thief. He should go and sit down somewhere and ponder on his foolishness

We knew it was all aimed toward keeping their gullible followers busy since they have no answers to the real issues confronting the state.

Distraction from what?

The padding?

midolian:
FOOL!

Seun, mods you guys must ban this moniker. I served 2 weeks ban because I called one zombie the same thing.

Pls you guys shld do the required.

midolian:
FOOL!

Asin eh.......the foolishness no be here oo

We know before self

ok

SurePresident:
Shraki, Ekwerenmadu, etal...We the entire Southerners: Igbos, Yorubas, Edos, Benue... seems to be the most gullible and foolish region. Igbos are celiberating the gang up against Tinubu. The everly inconsiderate
devilish north has perfected the game of playing us
against one another. Igbos claim to be wise,
Yorubas claim to be sophisticated, but alas they
are both egoistically senseless and perpetually
foolish going for each others jugular at the slightest
nudging of the north. The day they both put aside
stupid tribalism and self-destructive ethnicity to
unite to fight the satanic north, that same day the self-styled "born to rule" muhammadans shall become slaves they were born to be; as they are originally
almajeris.

I've always said it
The greatest weapon the North has is a divided South
And we Southerners are so eager to give it to them
We are our problem

Buhari, saraki, ekwenremadu, tinubu, and others (APC & PDP) are all thieves. They manipulate the media to tell us what they want us to know and believe but not what is really happening. Another story which will be a subject of debate will soon spring up and we will all fall for it. This people are thieves in high places who toys with the emotions and future of others. I am so certain that their damnation comes except if God will not reward the wicked and the deceitful.

SurePresident:
Shraki, Ekwerenmadu, etal...We the entire Southerners: Igbos, Yorubas, Edos, Benue... seems to be the most gullible and foolish region. Igbos are celiberating the gang up against Tinubu. The everly inconsiderate
devilish north has perfected the game of playing us
against one another. Igbos claim to be wise,
Yorubas claim to be sophisticated, but alas they
are both egoistically senseless and perpetually
foolish going for each others jugular at the slightest
nudging of the north. The day they both put aside
stupid tribalism and self-destructive ethnicity to
unite to fight the satanic north, that same day the self-styled "born to rule" muhammadans shall become slaves they were born to be; as they are originally
almajeris.

the south will be United when the yoruba stop being back stabbers, I am from Edo and yes, the yoruba can turn their backs on the entire south for their own interest hence the lack of distrust other occupants of the south have for them

SurePresident:
Shraki, Ekwerenmadu, etal...We the entire Southerners: Igbos, Yorubas, Edos, Benue... seems to be the most gullible and foolish region. Igbos are celiberating the gang up against Tinubu. The everly inconsiderate
devilish north has perfected the game of playing us
against one another. Igbos claim to be wise,
Yorubas claim to be sophisticated, but alas they
are both egoistically senseless and perpetually
foolish going for each others jugular at the slightest
nudging of the north. The day they both put aside
stupid tribalism and self-destructive ethnicity to
unite to fight the satanic north, that same day the self-styled "born to rule" muhammadans shall become slaves they were born to be; as they are originally
almajeris.

Abeg bros provide evidence where u ve heard or seen a northernern claimed they re born to rule. Abi u think people still live in 10th century bc? Where they just believe stories without concrete proof

SurePresident:
Shraki, Ekwerenmadu, etal...We the entire Southerners: Igbos, Yorubas, Edos, Benue... seems to be the most gullible and foolish region. Igbos are celiberating the gang up against Tinubu. The everly inconsiderate
devilish north has perfected the game of playing us
against one another. Igbos claim to be wise,
Yorubas claim to be sophisticated, but alas they
are both egoistically senseless and perpetually
foolish going for each others jugular at the slightest
nudging of the north. The day they both put aside
stupid tribalism and self-destructive ethnicity to
unite to fight the satanic north, that same day the self-styled "born to rule" muhammadans shall become slaves they were born to be; as they are originally
almajeris.

It is only when the political atmosphere does not favour yorubas that we hear this sermon, where were you when yorubas were boasting of how they kicked GEJ out and ridiculing igbos for being "losers"? Remember buhari and Okadigbo ticket was rejected by igbos in 2003 in the interest of southern solidarity with Obasanjo.

.

Yusman316:

Abeg bros provide evidence where u ve heard or seen a northernern claimed they re born to rule. Abi u think people still live in 10th century bc? Where they just believe stories without concrete proof

Mr. I schooled in ABU and this issue you're asking for evidence is noting but the obvious.. Ordinary school politics is usually turned to a do or die affair.

Departmental and faculty election is usually turned to a religious encounter and if both candidates are Muslim, it becomes a tribal encounter. Election was held in my school back then and no single Christian won a post in the whole faculty. Before we could say Jack, our Muslim brethren had already occupied the queue and will always pave way for fellow Muslim claiming that person was on the queue before. At the end, they took all the departmental and faculty posts.

A Yoruba Christian Prof (one of my best lecturer's back then) from my department contested against a Muslim Dr. from another department, for the position of deputy dean but lost woefully as even the Muslim lecturer's in my department ganged up against him. The Prof eventually left ABU for Unilag and I bet he's doing great over there.

A lecturer was battled and ganged up against because he's from Edo state. This is a very brilliant man that made a 4.4 as GP and graduated with distinction parallel in his MSc. Just within two years and some months, he obtained his PhD even before most lectures that started before him. They tried to make him loose his job but they didn't have enough evidence to nail him. He eventually obtained his MSc and moved to UNN where he became HOD of his department in less than 4 years of joining the school.

A Southern Kaduna (Christian) Prof won election to become VC of ABU. This was met with widespread agitation as threats were flying all over. Within the school, Muslim lecturer's threatened fire and brimstone, Muslim students threatened too, while the ones outside were ready to shed blood if ever a Christian became the VC of ABU.

Need I go further and talk about Buhari that lost election to a southerner in 2011 and over a thousand innocent Christians had to pay with their lives.

Something you know that is clear and happens frequently, you're asking for evidence. The day a person agrees he has a problem, that's the day s/he took a step towards solving that problem.