CCT boss warns that delay tactics by Saraki’s lawyers will not mitigate consequences of the charges brought against him.
*Wants draconian Decree 2 re-introduced to curb journalists.
Seething with subdued rage Tuesday, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) trying Senate President Bukola Saraki for false declaration of assets, Mr. Danlami Umar, wished for the days when the dreaded Decree 2 of 1984 was around to tame the excesses of journalists.
That was not all, he warned that the delay tactics of Saraki’s lawyers would not mitigate the consequences of the trial. “I am not happy at the delay tactics by the defence Counsel and I must say it out that this delay tactics will not reduce the consequences the defendant will meet from this Tribunal at the end of the trial,” he said
Rattled, Saraki’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) spoke up: “From defence side, we are not worried about the law and facts that would be placed before this Tribunal by the prosecution. But we are worried about enemies who may wish to use this Tribunal to achieve their ulterior motive.
“As the Tribunal chairman, we love you, we respect you, but we are afraid of consequences, especially as just stated by this Tribunal this morning. Our fears have been reinforced, but we pray against consequences that are against natural justice.”
Reacting to a publication that the CCT had adjourned the trial of Saraki indefinitely, he said: ” “If I have my way, I would bring back the decree 2 of the olden days to take care of the irresponsible journalists in this country.
“How can they dare to publish that we have adjourned the trial of this defendant “If I have my way, I would bring back the decree 2 of the olden days to take care of the irresponsible journalists in this country.
“They are embarking on sensational journalism to sell their newspapers at the expense of truth but that is not journalism but a serious crime that can lead them to jail
“It is the highest point of irresponsible journalism but I thank God for them that we are in a democratic era and that is the reason they are doing what they are doing now
“They are embarking on sensational journalism to sell their newspapers at the expense of truth but that is not journalism but a serious crime that can lead them to jail.”
