The federal government of Nigeria has said that it will definitely
appeal the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal that cleared the senate
president, Sen. Bukola Saraki of false assets declaration.
“Federal
government will definitely appeal because we will not want that to be Nigeria’s
jurisprudence on assets declaration, and so that a bad precedent will not be
set,” said Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, the presidential Adviser on prosecution. “If we
allow that judgement to stand, it is bye bye to the war against corruption.”
Clearing,
Saraki, The CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar ruled that the prosecution failed to establish
a prima facie against Saraki thereby upholding a no-case submission made by Kanu
Agabi, the defendant’s counsel
Mr. Obla described the ruling as being “outrageous”,
arguing that it was not based on the weight of evidence adduced by the
prosecution.
“Overwhelming evidence was adduced by the
prosecution. We saw the best of advocacy from one of the best advocates in the
country, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN. Contrary to that, no case submission, which I
considered anachronistic, was upheld.
“The tribunal should have overruled the no-case
submission and called the defendant to defend himself. Standard of proof cannot
be the same as ordinary criminal prosecution. You falsely declared your assets,
then the onus shifts to the defendant to prove he didn’t make false
declaration,” said Mr. Obono-Obla.
According to
him, it is envisaged the federal government will appeal against the acquittal
of Mr. Saraki by Wednesday.
“We are
studying the judgement; we should get the certified true copy by Monday or Tuesday. Then, we
will file notice of appeal on Wednesday,” he
said.
Ukorebi Esien
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