Saraki, Senate President on trial,  Tuesday
The trial of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki commenced on a dramatic note as initially he refused to enter the dock as is the practice for persons facing trial. However,  Justice Danladi Umar, the  Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, chaiman insisted that he must  mount the dock to answer to charges of corruption levelled  against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB

The power of the CCT  prevailed and Saraki finally entered the dock  at exactly 11:24am. And  the 13-count criminal charges were read to him. And he pleaded not guilty to count-10 of the charges

Saraki speaking  from the dock, said: “I am a firm believer of the rule of law. I have come here to subject myself before this tribunal. I strongly believe that I am here because I am the Senate President”.

“I felt that the CCB should have called me. We have been hearing about new Nigeria but this is the first time this kind of thing is being done without following the due process. Nigerians are watching and the world is also watching. I will confirm myself to the due process. So as i stated, I want to say that I am not guilty”,  Saraki maintained

Earlier, counsel to Saraki, Mr. J. B Daudu opposed the idea of Saraki entering the dock, citing  an Appeal Court ruling: Igbeke vs FRN, ‎2015, 3 NWLR.

He was reacting  when  the CCT chairman asked:  “Where is the prosecution, is the accused person here?” 

“Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the first thing is for him to enter the dock first, then we will announce our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him”, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs returned.

“With profound respect to the chairman and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the accused should be produced today. It was not for his to enter his plea. The case was earlier adjourned for mention”, counsel to Saraki, Mr. J.B. Daudu, insisted.

 Saraki arrived the court at 10:32am,  sandwiched by his colleagues and friends.