Update: 84 Senators pass vote of confidence on Saraki

84 Senators have passed a vote of confidence on Saraki who
was arraigned and docked by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on a
13 count charges involving false assets declaration.


The Senate which met today, Tuesday, passed the vote of
confidence on Saraki amidst rowdy session. Similarly, Senate
expects ministerial list from the president as speculations
become high as for which prominent competent Nigerians will
make the list.

However, following the vote of confidence on Saraki, some pro-
Saraki supporters converge at the Senate entrance to chant
solidarity songs for Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu.


The pro democracy group, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Youth Movement
,ONYM, led by Mr Uche Nnadi told newsmen that the rally to the
National Assembly was also to protest the use of anti-corruption
war by politicians for personal gains.

“This despair is caused by the fact that the anti-corruption war
which Nigeria in general and Igbo youths have keyed into is being
misused by few political elite to fight their political war.
“We must state categorically that it is an act of corruption to use
the anti-corruption war for party politics and political benefits,’’
Nnadi said.


He faulted the trial of Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal,
saying that he was being persecuted because his emergence as
Senate President allowed an Igbo man to be the Deputy Senate
President.



According to him, the trial of the Senate President by the code of
conduct Tribunal is in contravention of section 3(d) of the Code
of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

“The same Chairman of the Tribunal Mr Danladi Umar ruled in
favour of the principle in section 3(d) on the November 30, 2011
in the case against Senator Ahmed Tinubu.

“And today is insisting on trying the Senate President.
“We know that Mr Danladi Umar cannot overrule himself,’’ he said.
Nnadi, therefore, urged the tribunal to quash the charges against
the Senate President and discharge him.
He added that Saraki’s trial was quickly contrived to force him out
of office.

“Otherwise why will all this political tension when the man has not
been found guilty.
“Our law still upholds a man as innocent until he is found guilty,’’
he said.

The protesters displayed placards : “No to Witch-hunting” and “No
to Plot To Destabilize National Assembly”.

The protesters were pushed beyond the first entry point of NASS
gate by security operatives who were very polite in discharging
their duties.