Tinubu, a leader of the then opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government, was charged before the CCT and discharged in 2011 during the administration of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Umar said at the opening of the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on charges of false and anticipatory asset declaration, among others, on Tuesday, that despite the pressure mounted on the panel members, the tribunal ruled on what was put before it.
The CCT chairman said this while allaying the fears of Saraki and his lawyers that the tribunal was being controlled by external influence.
He assured the defence of the determination of the tribunal to do justice in the case as he and his co-panel member would give account to God.
He alluded to Tinubu’s case, saying that despite the pressure mounted on the tribunal ruled in favour of the former Lagos State Governor.
He said, “During the trial of Bola Tinubu we were under influence. But you saw what happened.
“We did what we needed to do based on what was before us.”
He urged the lawyers on both sides of Saraki’s trial to conduct themselves in a manner that would enhance speedy determination of the case.
“The bench is begging the bar that we must make progress in this matter,” Umar said.
In response, Saraki’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), said the CCT chairman had allayed the defence’s fear of prejudice.
Agabi said, “Nothing more a lawyer fears more than prejudice.
When a judge of calibre says you fear God, we thank you for it.”
The co-member on the tribunal’s panel, William Atedze, also debunked a newspaper publication accusing him of not contributing to the decisions and proceedings of the tribunal.
“I believe the article must have been written by a layman. A lawyer would not have written that nonsense.
“Are we supposed to be fighting on the bench? The bench is not a motor park. If there are differences we resolve it in chamber. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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That was why you "ruled in error" and in favour of Tinubu. Just listen to yourself. Why making reference to a case that you yourself has said openly that you made it error? What is the point here? Try to give judgement Buhari government, I can assure you that you will be tried the next day for your own crime. You better be wise. It is only Jonathan that will accept and obey any court judgement, favourable or not. Do not try it to Buhari, or else!
ReplyDeleteI believed the word of ur mouth.you make you fear God.
ReplyDelete