By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

My dear brother Dele, let me thank you most sincerely for your article last weekend, “My Candid Letter to Saraki.” I take everything you said in that article to heart and I must commend you for your candidness indeed and the sincerity of your intentions.
As you said in your article, you are someone I have known more by reputation than by any personal relationship, until recently when we struck up some personal acquaintance based on our shared political interests, especially during the last presidential election. However, I understand why you had to sound so defensive for knowing me at all and had to publicly map the boundaries of our relationship. We have got to that point in our country when we no longer believe that anyone could stand for anything based on principles and convictions alone. Moreover, in the growing culture of media crucifixion and presumed guilt; it is rare to find a voice like yours that calls for fairness and justice.

I would have simply sent you a text message or call you up for your candid advice to me, which I take seriously. But I feel the need to make some clarifications on some of the issues you raised. One of them was that in seeking to be Senate President, I struck a deal with the PDP and made it possible for one of them to be the Deputy Senate President. I know this is the dominant narrative out there, but it is far from the truth.

I did not do any deal with the PDP. I did not have to because even before the PDP Senators as a group took the decision to support my candidature on the eve of the inauguration of the 8th Senate, 22 PDP Senators had already written a letter supporting me. What I did not envisage was a situation where some members of my party would not be in the chambers that day, especially when the clerk had already received a proclamation from the President authorizing the inauguration of the Senate. Pray, if a team refused to turn up for a scheduled match and was consequently walked over, would it be fair to blame the team that turned up and claimed victory? I believe those that made it possible for PDP to claim the DSP position were those who decided to hold a meeting with APC senators elsewhere at the time they ought to be in the chambers. What the PDP Senators did was to take advantage of their numerical strength at the material time. They simply lined up behind Senator Ike Ikweremadu while those of us from APC voted for Senator Ali Ndume. It was a game of numbers, and we were hopelessly outnumbered. If the PDP had nominated their own candidate for the Senate Presidency position that day, they would have won. It was as simple as that.

Secondly, I don’t know if you were aware that in the build up to Senate inauguration, the National Working Committee of the APC sent two signals. The first signal specified how leadership positions in the National Assembly have been zoned. While we were trying to give effect to this decision, the second signal came, which contained names of people to which these zoned position had been allocated. What was not acknowledged was that the President of the Senate is not an executive president. He is primarily one of 109 senators. Therefore, I cannot decide by myself who gets what in the Senate. Therefore, when they said I defied party directive in the choice of principal officers, they are invariably ascribing to me the power that I did not have.

My dear brother, most people talk about the Senate Presidency position, but this was not my only offence. I have also been accused of helping to frustrate some people’s opportunity to emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate. But I have no problem with anybody. My concern was that it would not be politically smart of us to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. I doubt if we would have won the election if we had done this, especially after the PDP had successfully framed us a Muslim party. I felt we were no longer in 1993. Perhaps, more than ever before, Nigerians are more sensitive to issues of religious balancing. This, my brother, was my original sin. What they say to themselves, among other things, was that if he could conspire against our ambition, then he must not realize his own ambition as well. For me however, I have no regrets about this. I only stood for what I believed was in the best interest of the party and in the best interest of Nigeria.

Now to the substantive issue of my trial. As you rightly noted, this trial is not about corruption. And I am happy that since my trial started, people who have followed the proceedings have now understood better what the whole thing is about. I have had opportunity to declare my assets four times since 2003. Over those years, the Code of Conduct Bureau had examined my claims. There was no time that they raised any issues with me on any item contained in my declarations over those twelve years. This is why you should be surprised that while I am being tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the witness and the evidence supplied against me were all from EFCC.

Like you, I have an abiding faith in the judiciary. May God forbid the day that we would give up on our judicial system. However, the onus is not on me to prove that I have confidence in the judiciary; the burden is on my prosecutors to prove to the world that justice is done in my case. If the process of fighting corruption is itself corrupt, then whatever victory is recorded would remain tainted and puerile!

[b]Some people have wondered, why has Saraki been “jumping” from one court to another instead of facing his trial? To those people, I would say that I have only gone to those courts in search of justice. Strange things have happened, and they are still happening. For example, Section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act states that the Bureau shall refer any breach or non-compliance to the Tribunal. However, where the person concerned makes a written admission of the breach, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary. It was on this basis that the case against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was dismissed in 2011, by this same judge in this same Tribunal on the grounds that he was not given an opportunity to deny or admit to any breach before he was brought before the tribunal. This was the ruling that I relied on in making my case. But what did the judge say? That he had judged in error in 2011 and he had since realized his error and departed from it. My question is whether a Tribunal of first instance has the power to reverse itself. I should expect that everyone would be worried if justice is applied differently to different people. However, in spite of my fears, I remain hopeful. Why? Because the judiciary does not end with this Tribunal.[/b]

Do you know the genesis of my real problems with President Goodluck Jonathan? I have had a touchy relationship with him, but the turning point was in September 2011 when I moved a motion on the floor of the Senate that exposed the N2.3 trillion fuel subsidy racket. I remain proud that I was the Senator that blew the lid on the most elaborate corruption scheme ever in this country. But after that I became a marked man. My security was withdrawn. I was invited and re-invited by the EFCC and the Special Fraud Unit. I was even declared wanted at a point. I believe I am still one of the most investigated former governors in this country. I have no doubt that if the Jonathan government was able to find anything against me, they would not have allowed me to go unpunished.

Let me make this point clearly. I do not expect to be shielded from prosecution because of my contribution to APC, if there was genuine basis for such action to be taken against me. But I have every reason to expect not to be persecuted by the party that I contributed so much to build. The New PDP may not have given APC victory in 2015, but it was an important factor in the dynamics that produced that victory. And with all sense of modesty, I was an important factor in the formation of New PDP; in leading that group to the APC; in ensuring our group’s support for the candidate during the primaries and in mobilizing substantial resources for the election. For these, I have not expected any special compensation. Rather, I only expect to be treated like every loyal party member and accorded the right to freely aspire!

Some people have complained that I have been taken Senators with me to my trial. But I did not force them to follow me. The Senators have freely accompanied me to the Tribunal not because they are loyal to me as Abubakar Bukola Saraki, but because they are committed to the principle that produced me as the President of the Senate. The same principle that produced Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President and produced Ali Ndume as Majority Leader. They see all of us in the Senate leadership as manifestation of their jealously guarded right to freely choose their own leaders. Because they know they made us their leaders without any external interference; they are confident that they retain the power to remove us whenever they so wish. They also know what this trial is all about. They believe I am being victimized because they have expressed their right to choose their own leadership. This is why I am not in any way perturbed by my absence in the chambers during this trial. Because I was not imposed on the Senate, I feel confident that the Senate will protect its own choice whether I am present or not. It is never about me. It is about the independence of the legislature. It has always been so since 1999. It is so today and it would be so in 2019, it would be so in 2023, and as long as we practice a democracy that operates on the principle of separation of powers.

My dear brother, let me end by observing that I am not alone in this trial. On trial with me in this process is the entire judicial system. On trial with me are our entire anti-corruption institutions and our avowed commitment to honestly fight corruption. On trial with me is our party’s promise to depart from the ways of the past, a promise that Nigerians voted for. And I dare say, on trial with me is our media; and their ethical commitment to report fairly and objectively. In the end, it is my earnest hope that whatever we do will ultimately ennoble our country.

Dr. Saraki is President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/04/23/saraki-my-original-sin-was-opposing-muslimmuslim-ticket-in-the-apc/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

OK now

Chai.. This man go sabi write love letter..










From jail.

Very good write up. But the questions earnestly crying for answers are:1. I dont think it is right to bring Tinubu into this matter because he refused to influence this trial. 2. I dont think it is also right to bring the office of Senate President to shame by not stepping down since you are an accused for now 3. You have justified those powers that be in APC who feared that your Senate Presidency is a threat to President Buhari with the handling of 2016 Budget.

The era of letter writing.

Everybody is a thief in that NASS, anyone caught is the culprit and the criminal. Well mr saraki you are on your own now . On the day you were sworn in as senate president, you called all the owanbe in the country but now where are they?! I tell you!!!!!.

Saraki, yes you are right. You have the right to pursue and realise your ambition, but only within the confines of political fair play. But let me quickly point out to you that only a fool (Like Dino) will believe your narration that you never struck a deal with PDP.

On Running From Pillar To Post:

If truly your sojourn up to Supreme Court was in search of justice, Saraki how would you explain your many other obvious attempts to stall your trial after the Apex court has okayed your trial? Oh lest I forget, maybe justice in your own right only means when judgement is given in your favour.

*NaijaLegalAnalyst*

So long an Epistle from someone who snuck into the NASS complex in the trunk of a Mazda 626 in order to escape notice before perfecting his "coup"..

He would have been "forgiven" if he had "Dogara-ed" it & also isn't being recalcitrant about extravagant purchases & supervising a criminal level budget distortion all in a bid to discredit the Executives...

At every point, he talks about his loyalty to his party, someone that has been proven doesn't understand the true meaning of loyalty.... He sees himself as bigger than his party, let's see how that will work out for him..

He also has refused to understand that persecution is no defense, culpability does not take witch hunting into account & Saratiff knows that hence the incessant court perambulations.....

He won't survive beyond May-June 2016..

SARAKI, THE FACE OF CORRUPTION. WHAT ABOUT ALL THE MONEY YOU STOLE FROM SGB, TRADE BANK, INTERCONTINENTAL, KWARA STATE, PANAMA, SUVs? GO AND FACE CCT AND STOP BLAMING OTHERS FOR YOUR SELF INFLICTED PROBLEMS.

oga seriki,
enjoy jawe.

apc people wan die!

I remain hopeful. Why? Because the judiciary does not end with this Tribunal.

I know talk am? Even saraki himself knows this useless CCT's judgement would be useless unless affirmed by the appeal and supreme courts.I would be very interested in seeing how the apex court interpretes section 3(d) of the CCT act.That would be the koko of this case

RaphaeloBurgess:
Very good write up. But the questions earnestly crying for answers are:1. I dont think it is right to bring Tinubu into this matter because he refused to influence this trial. 2. I dont think it is also right to bring the office of Senate President to shame by not stepping down since you are an accused for now 3. You have justified those powers that be in APC who feared that your Senate Presidency is a threat to President Buhari with the handling of 2016 Budget.

How did it bring Tinubu into the matter? Why should the CCT give differant judgements for the same scenario in both cases? Anyway I trust the apex court to take care of this nonsense

My dear brother, most people talk about the Senate Presidency position, but this was not my only offence. I have also been accused of helping to frustrate some people’s opportunity to emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate. But I have no problem with anybody. My concern was that it would not be politically smart of us to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. I doubt if we would have won the election if we had done this, especially after the PDP had successfully framed us a Muslim party. I felt we were no longer in 1993. Perhaps, more than ever before, Nigerians are more sensitive to issues of religious balancing. This, my brother, was my original sin.

Can you imagine the affront?!so the local champion even attempted to impose a muslim-muslim ticket on us all in an attempt to become VP!! Chei!!

I respect this man. If he's guilty of what he's been accused of, let justice prevail. And if not, let there be justice. But eh, party supremacy should have killed this. Issue na. Dogara is from same new PDP, but he towed the party line and he's been romancing with the party faithful ever since.

I stand with Saraki on this. The law should be consistent and seen to be fair. Any manipulation of the law is tantamount to corruption.

searchng4love:
I stand with Saraki on this. The law should be consistent and seen to be fair. Any manipulation of the law is tantamount to corruption.

Abegi tell them!!

I really pity Saraki, they are really out for him. Na him cup of tea sha, still can't forget how he mobilised the nPDP govs against GEJ. Still, I find it weird the deliberate demonisation and false narrative being pushed to destroy his image.
To each his own. He laid his bed, he will lie on it.

Saraki's logic appears right, for me he is innocent till found guilty after all appeal have been exhausted.

I stand with Saraki on this as someone else was acquitted in error for committing the same offense, he has a case.

I don't give a fvck about Saraki.. Karma they say is a bittch.. You destroyed PDP that made you to form APC because of your insatiable greed. Now APC with destroy you. Hopeless ediot!

I feel irritated by every word this man utters...

Like Ibori, like Saraki. Who the gods want to destroy; they first make haughty and mad.

Saraki is still lying about the truth of his travails. His problem started the day he felt he was bigger than the President of Nigeria(GEJ) and would not be seen deferring to him. He gathered the likes of Amaechi and Danjuma Goje around him and they were constituting nuisance. They disrespected everyone and felt comfortable with it. His new party members saw the trouble he and his crew gave GEJ and decided to cut him to size before he wrecks them. His fight with Asiwaju Tinubu; a dogged fighter and strategist, is nothing but "the best form of defence, being attack". He cut Tinubu to size barely 5 months in his party and Tinubu has decided to deal with him too.

We know his trial is flawed from day one, but he must relinquish that Senate Presidency cos that is the prize at stake. Tinubu has tasted power now and is baying for his blood. He wants Saraki's political career terminated so as to humble him like Alams, forever.

When the gods want to punish a man; they set his own dog after him.

Danjuma Goje, Amaechi and Co shall soon reap their own reward fast. They should have known that no man rises to power quickly in Nigeria by scheming and blackmail. You can only do this by 'appearing' moronic, stupid and loyal to the kingmakers. That was what propelled GEJ to power and places. Buhari too had to learn this in his last outing and it landed the Presidency that eluded him for long in his laps.

The absence of this moronic and stupid disposition and too much scheming destroyed the likes of Ibori, Alams, Timipre Sylva and will eventually add Saraki to the list.

Dogara? He is an establishment man who knows how to 'appear' moronic and stupid for his masters to shine and take the glory. He is the only Speaker of the HoR that was elected with the support of all past Speakers(living or dead ) This is why he is more successful than Saraki and this is why Gbajabiamila(with all his arrogance and scheming) could not win the office.

Saraki should simply go and defend himself before the tribunal. All these stories sound sweet but unfortunately it's being told to the wrong audience. He should tell his side of the story to Justice Umar of the CCT.


And all this attempt at dragging Tinubu into his corrupt case is just plain silly. Can't he defend himself without throwing Tinubu's name around? Tinubu was once charged and tried by the same tribunal, how come he's now the same person being alleged to be behind Saraki's travails? If Tinubu is that powerful over the CCT, why did he not stop his own trial?

Political witch-hunt or not, the major question is, is Saraki guilty of the allegations levelled against him? That is the question Kwarans and Nigerians want the CCT to answer and Saraki will do well by co-operating with the tribunal for a quick answer to the question.

And I ask why am I black, they say I was born in sin, and shamed inequity. One of the main songs we used to sing in church makes me sick, 'lord wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

It seems black was curse afterall

Simply put, your original sin was to oppose Tinubu's Vice Presidency ticket