Bukola Saraki in Court: Senate President Bukola Saraki at Code of Conduct Tribunal shortly after his lawyers walkout of the Court during court sitting in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.
Following the decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to commence full-blown hearing on the 13-count criminal charge against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, despite the pendency of the appeal before the Supreme Court, all his lawyers, this afternoon, staged a walk out on the tribunal.
Saraki’s legal team, comprising of three Senior Advocates of Nigeria and 24 lawyers, through their leader Mr. Mahmud Magaji, SAN, said they were not comfortable to take part in what they termed “judicial rascality”.
Mahmud’s position was also supported by another SAN in his team, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, who told the tribunal that it would be unfortunate for references to be made in future that they, being senior members of the bar, took part in such proceeding.
“On behalf of the defence counsel, we find it most impossible to continue to sit here. We shall be seeking the indulgence of your lordships to withdraw our appearance”, Raji, added.
Meantime, Saraki has begged the tribunal to allow him to either persuade his legal team to comeback into the matter, or to engage new lawyers to defend him.
Even though he urged the tribunal to grant him one month adjournment, the Justice Danladi Umar led panel adjourned the case till November 19 for the federal government to call witnesses against him.
Bukola Saraki in Court: Counsel to Senate President Bukola Saraki, Abubakar Magaji SAN addressing pressmen as Saraki ‘s lawyers walkout of the Court room during court sitting at Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan
Vanguard
No comments:
Post a Comment
Add a comment