The Code Conduct Tribunal yesterday issued out bench warrant against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki for not appearing in court for the charges against him.
Delivering his ruling in Abuja, the Chairman, Hon Danladi Yakubu Umar ordered the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase to produce the Senate President in court on Monday, 21st of September, 2015 for refusing to appear before it after being summoned by the Tribunal.
The Chairman of the Tribunal stated that on the issue of initiation of proceeding by the Attorney-General of the Federation, ‘‘we have taken the fact that there is no Attorney- General at the present time, it is our considered opinion that does not preclude or exclude any officer of law in the Federal Ministry of Justice or a statutory body from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings."
He reiterated the fact that the Tribunal was established as a constitutional body under S15 (1) of the 5th schedule pt 1 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and therefore ranks and has co-ordinate jurisdiction with the Federal High Court.
Concerning requests to halt proceedings, the Chairman said ‘‘our position is further reinforce by the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Kalu Vs FRN (2014) 1 NWLR, that court that are of similar or concurrent jurisdiction are not bound to follow the decisions of each other…
Therefore the defendant cannot claim to be unaware of this action having been duly notified"
He further stated that ‘‘the defendant as a top ranking political officer of this country is expected to respect the constitutional provisions of this country which he has sworn to defend and at the same time knowing the obvious implication of breaching the laws of the country.
In view of the non-appearance of the Defendant/Respondent, the Tribunal orders the Inspector General of Police or the relevant security Agencies involved in the investigation to arrest and produce the defendant to this Tribunal." the CCT chairman directed.
The Senate President is charged with anticipatory declaration and concealing of assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau while he was Governor of Kwara state, against the laws of Nigeria.
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