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EFCC using state instrument to persecute Saraki, perceived political enemies — Atiku

 

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said the recent investigation of ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is becoming a persecution.
He said this on Tuesday in a statement titled “Bukola Saraki: Silence In The Face of Tyranny Is Acquiescence.”
Mr Saraki was recently accused by the EFCC of taking N12 billion from the treasury of the Kwara State Government while he was governor of the state between 2003 and 2011.
But Mr Abubaker on Tuesday said there is a huge difference between prosecution and persecution. He said it is wrong to use the instruments of state to persecute political opponents.
According to him, Saraki is one of the most investigated politicians in Nigeria.
“He has been investigated and prosecuted all the way to the Supreme Court and has prevailed against his accusers. It was expected that that should have been the end of the matter.
“However, the revival of previously investigated cases, and the fact that Dr. Saraki was politically opposed to the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari seems to give strong grounds for objective bystanders to conclude that his current travails have gone beyond prosecution and are now tending towards persecution.
“The laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are made for all and we fought for democracy so that the powers of the state would not be used to suborn tyranny and oppression,” he said.
He, therefore, urged Saraki to stand firm and take solace in the fact that Nigerians still hold the Constitution higher than any other authority.
He also admonished Nigerians especially those tasked with upholding the Constitution and the laws of the land, to note that “silence in the face of oppression is akin to acquiescence. I, Atiku Abubakar, will always stand up for the Constitution and Nigeria, he added.
The former lawmaker has since filed a case seeking the court’s intervention for the protection and enforcement of the rights.
He said that the current investigation constitutes an infringement on his fundamental human rights.


…former Senate President rallies support for 9th NASS

Immediate past Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has rallied support for the new leadership of the Senate even as he said they were experienced enough to deliver on the agenda of the new senate.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, on Tuesday, announced the names of the new senate leadership after their selection by the two major parties represented in the chamber, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu noted that the new leadership was a formidable and experienced team and advised them to be pro-masses.
He urged them to work together with the Senate President to ensure that the key constitutional duties of the Senate like enactment of laws, oversight, advocacy and representation were taken to new heights and used to further improve governance and the standard of living of Nigerians.
According to him, they should maintain a good relationship with their colleagues in the House of Representatives and always stand with the people at all times and in all situations.
While congratulating the members, Saraki further wish the leadership and members of a successful tenure in which they will create better and mutual understanding with members of the public.
The new leadership team consists of Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Yahaya, Senate Leader; Sen. Ajayi Borrofice, Deputy Senate Leader; Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Whip; Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Deputy Chief Whip; Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Minority Leader; Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, Deputy Minority Leader; Sen. Phillip Aduda, Minority Whip and Sen. Sahabi Yau, Deputy Minority Whip.

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