TheCable

The Nigeria senate has expressed support for its president, Bukola Saraki, over his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Ibrahim Danbaba, representative of Sokoto south constituency at the upper chamber, said the senate was solidly behind Saraki on  his trial for alleged corruption and false declaration of assets.

“After majority of us, senators of the federal republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our president, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning, we are happy that he appeared at the tribunal after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his fundamental human rights,” Danbaba said.

“We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership. We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of senate president and no politically motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him.

“By his appearance at the tribunal, he has demonstrated his firm belief in the rule of law and his respect for our judicial process. We join Dr Saraki in affirming our commitment to rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy.

“We only hope the other arms of government will ensure that due processes and procedures are followed in this trial and on all other issues.

“The eighth senate restates its commitment to the programmes and policies of the Buhari administration.

“It is our belief that at the end of this trial, our democracy, Nigerians and the people will end up as the beneficiaries.”

On Tuesday, Saraki arrived at the tribunal with an army of lawmakers led by Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president.

He had turned down two previous invitations by the tribunal.

He pleaded not guilty to 13-count charges of false declaration of assets preferred against him the Code of Conduct Bureau.