TheCable

The code of conduct tribunal (CCT) has shifted the trial of the Senate President Bukola Saraki from March 10 to March 11.

Ibraheem Al-hassan, the tribunal’s spokesman, confirmed this in a statement, saying Kanu Agabi, Saraki’s new lead counsel, appealed for the shift.

Al-hassan said in a letter to the tribunal, Agabi explained that he had urgent matters to attend to on March 10.

Part of the letter, which was made available by Al-Hassan reads: “I write as lead counsel to the above defendant to apply that the matter which is now scheduled to come up on the 10th day of March 2016, subject to the convenience of the honourable tribunal and learned counsel for the prosecution, be taken on the 11th day of March, 2016, due to my earlier and urgent commitments in other courts on the 10th.

“I will sincerely appreciate the indulgence of the tribunal to accommodate me in this way.”

The tribunal’s spokesman said Agabi tendered an apology over the development.

Saraki is facing a 13-count charge of corruption and  alleged false declaration of assets.

The trial, which commenced in October, was halted in November, following a supreme court ruling. However, the apex court subsequently ruled that the senate president must face trial.

Saraki has absolved himself of any wrongdoing, insisting that his trial is political.