ALL Progressives Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has expressed delight at the recent decision by the federal government to withdraw the forgery charges against senate president Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu.
Last week, public prosecutors withdrew criminal charges against both men in which they were facing trial for mislead the senate. On June 10, Senators Saraki and Ekweremadu, along with a former clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa and his deputy Ben Efeturi, were arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu in corruption charges.
An affidavit in support of the motion to withdraw the suit was filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory by a litigation officer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Odubu Loveme. Following the withdrawal of the charges against both senators, only the two civil servants will now face prosecution.
Based on the amended charge, Messrs Maikasuwa and Efeturi are accused of fraudulently amending the 2015 Senate Standing Orders without the authority of the seventh Senate. Praising the move, Asiwaju Tinubu said the development was particularly welcome at what he called this crucial time when active and innovative governance is required to bring the progressive change the APC vowed to the people of this nation.
Asiwaju Tinubu said: “New legislation will be required to help pull the nation out of the economic mire. More importantly, such visionary legislation will be even more needed to permanently reform our national economic architecture so that we may promote the type of diverse, durable economic growth and employment that will ensure a stronger future and better insulate the nation from the fragility inherent in basing the economic welfare of the nation on the global price of a single commodity.
“With these forgery charges found not to apply, it is good that they be dismissed so that the National Assembly may focus on this important work ahead. While those involved may understandably feel a sense of relief or vindication, this is no time for them to celebrate or to believe all is well with the nation simply because all has turned out well for them on this matter."
He added that a mind and heart unburdened by the spectre of possible legal liability is also free to devote itself to the pressing matters of state. According to Asiwaju Tinubu, consequently, this action presents a unique window of opportunity for the National Assembly to reset its bearings and to focus on the real issues at hand.
“History will not look kindly on those involved if they were to squander this fine chance. As never before, Nigerians look to the various arms of government to perform their roles so that the country can walk the path of change and renewal,” Asiwaju Tinubu added.
He asked Senator Saraki and those who are the beneficiaries of this legal outcome to now rededicate themselves to fulfilling the progressive tenets of the APC and to honouring the promises they made to the people with regard to their governance and well being. Asiwaju Tinubu said Nigeria must do more than survive, it must thrive.
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