Those angry I am Senate President behind my trial – Saraki

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge of corruption and false declaration of asset at the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja on Tuesday, has said that he is being tried for alleged corruption because he is the senate president.

Mr. Saraki, who was granted bail on self-recognition after making his plea, tried but failed to secure injunctions at a High Court and the Court of Appeal to stop the trial.

In a statement released by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Tuesday evening, Mr. Saraki said he was singled out for prosecution because of his position as the Senate President – an apparent reference to the controversy over his election as leader of the Senate.

Mr Saraki had defied the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which had anointed Ahmed Lawan for the position. He got the support of senators of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, and won the seat.

In the statement, Mr. Saraki said he previously refused to appear before the tribunal because he was exploring the “opportunity to defend (his) fundamental human rights in other courts”.

“As I stated while taking the plea in the case, I reiterate my belief that the only reason while I am going through this trial is because I am Senate President. If I were to be just a Senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over twelve years ago,” he said.

-Premium Times