Ayo
Saraki's CCT trial: Senate takes exceptional step against Code of Conduct Act
by Vincent Ehiabhi
Naij.com / 2016-04-13 06:33
– The Nigerian Senate is reportedly making move to retain the seat of the embattled current Senate president, Bukola Saraki
– The hallowed chamber has began move to amend the code of conduct act CAP C15 LFN 2004 bill, which was sponsored by a representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta North, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi
A cross section of members of the Nigerian National Assembly.
The Nigerian Senate has commenced moves to shelve the Code of Conduct Act, with the aim of eradicating the code of conduct tribunal (CCT) from the office of secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) and the presidency.
Vanguard on April 12, reports that the Senate in a new inventiveness is out to reduce the powers of the code of conduct bureau (CCB) and CCT.
It was gathered that the code of conduct act CAP C15 LFN 2004 bill, which was sponsored by a representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta North, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi passed through first reading.
Senator Nwaoboshi, who is also the chairman, Senate committee on Niger Delta affairs in the bill tagged: "Code of Conduct Act Cap C15 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2016, the Senate is seeking to transfer the control of CCT and CCB from the Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, to National Assembly or the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF."
However, before the reading of the Bill for the first time, there was a mild drama when the first "Order Paper" for April 12, which was disseminated to newsmen, was later withdrawn.
It was gathered that the retrieved order paper, the code of conduct bill was absent, but comprised in the copy distributed to lawmakers.
The second order paper was circulated to reporters few minutes after the lawmakers concluded a closed-door session, where the Bill ought to have been read for the first time without puclicity.
It was also gathered that some lawmakers protested against the move, after which Saraki, ruled that it should be made open.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who spoke with journalists after yesterday's plenary pointed out that the bill was to save the citizens and Nigeria from obsessive politicians, who will always use CCT to go after perceived enemies and settle some differences.
Saraki is currently standing trial for a 13-count criminal charge filed against him by the federal government.
Sahara Reporters informed that Saraki in another desperate attempt to evade justice summoned an emergency meeting with the "likemind" Senators yesterday night at his home.
Senator Dino Melaye reportedly sent the invitation of the meeting to his associates using the cell phone of the Senate president's deputy chief of staff, Peter Makanjuola, in a bid to avoid being detected.
It was also reported that when the like-minded senators arrived at the meeting, Saraki and others unanimously agreed to go after two major laws entrapping him at the CCT.
It was further gathered that the Senators went into a private plenary session on April 12 when they resumed and they listed two bills on the Senate Order Paper for a "first Reading," the bills are seeking amendments to two crucial laws in the Nigerian constitution.
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