Saraki work it out with FG lawyer at CCT

Since the trial began this morning, it has been arguments and counter arguments between President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki’s lawyer, Mr. Mahmud Magaji (SAN) and Federal Government lawyer Mr. Rotimi Jacobs at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The Federal Government has told the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja that it is ready to open its case against Saraki over 13-count-charge that include false declaration of assets. But Saraki’s lawyer, Magaji had objected, saying that CCT could not try his client until the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment. Saraki filed an appeal at the apex court, following the dismissal of his case at the Appeal Court about two weeks ago. However, Government lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, notified the tribunal that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had in a judgment it delivered on October 30, dismissed Saraki’s appeal against his trial. “My Lords all the contention as to the jurisdiction of the tribunal has been settled. The Appeal Court held that the charge was proper and the tribunal properly constituted to sit with two members. “We have the Certified True Copy of that judgment. This matter was adjourned for report and for continuation of trial, we are ready”, Rotimi submitted. But Magaji urged the tribunal to adjourn the trial and await the decision of the Supreme Court. ‎Magaji told the tribunal that his client also filed an application for the stay of further proceeding on the matter pending the determination of the appeal at the apex court. He said that the CCT was notified of the pendency of the appeal before the Supreme Court via a letter ‎that was addressed to its chairman on November 4. “In essence, we are saying that we have a valid appeal before your lordships at the Supreme Court”, saying for the tribunal to proceed with hearing on the matter would amount to an affront and disrespect to the judicial hierarchy. The tribunal is still entertaining arguments from the two parties.