CCT Trial: Senate Caucuses Meet as Saraki's Fate Hangs in the Balance

There is still more trouble coming the way of Senate President, Bukola Saraki as his trial at the Code of Conduct Bureau resumes leaving the leadership of the Senate in crisis.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

 

The resumption of trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki might rip the Senate apart as it is now obvious that his trial will disrupt Senate proceedings.

 

It was gathered that members of the Senate met separately at various caucus levels on Monday to discuss the fate of Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is to resume his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged false declaration of assets.

 

According to the Punch, the lawmakers discussed the issues relating to Saraki, especially the likely effect of the trial of Saraki at the CCT after the Supreme Court gave the go ahead order for his trial. The senators are worried of the likely outcome and the way it would affect the leadership of the Senate.

 

It has emerged that there are fears among senators, that there could be another move to challenge Saraki’s leadership at the Senate over his trial.

 

It is further feared that Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, may be removed if they are found guilty by the CCT.

 

However, a Punch report states that a PDP senator and colleagues had agreed to maintain decorum in case the All Progressives Congress Senators, who are against Saraki’s leadership, decide to create any scene on the floor today.

 

The Senator from the South-East geopolitical zone, said, “As members of the opposition, we are ready to pass another vote of confidence in Saraki because he is truly a stabilising factor in the nation’s legislature.

“He commands a lot of respect among majority of members. He is accessible and he carries everyone along, not minding your political party or group affiliation within the Senate.

“So, as PDP senators, we believe that the Senate President should be given the benefit of the doubt as he pleads his case before the tribunal.”

 

Also, it was learnt that the Senate Unity Forum, the group that pushed for the emergence of Senator Ahmad Lawan and George Akume as Senate President and deputy respectively, also held another marathon meeting at an undisclosed location on Monday. Though none spoke on record, one of them from the South-West said they met to perfect their strategy to produce the next Senate President in case Saraki was indicted at the court.

 

The lawmaker added, “We have been meeting as members and strategising on an individual basis. I can assure you that we have our game plan, which we will keep to ourselves.”

 

Asked whether the nation should expect a rowdy or stormy session during plenary today, the Senator said, "It is certainly going to be a real battle for the Senate president as his trial at the CCT resumes. What will happen next, no one knows."