'A mind unburdened by the specter
of possible legal liability is free to devote itself to the pressing
matters of state'. This is the view of a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, reacting to the federal government’s withdrawal of forgery charges against
presiding officers of the Senate.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Mr. Tinubu said the
government’s decision would help the APC focus on bringing progressive
change it promised Nigerians.
“New legislation will be required to help pull the nation out of the
economic mire,” Mr. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, said in
the statement issued by his media aide, Tunde Rahman.
“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.”
The Nigerian government of Nigeria on Thursday filed a motion to
withdraw the charge of criminal conspiracy against Senate President
Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.
Messrs. Saraki and Ekweremadu, as well as a former Clerk of the
National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy clerk, Ben
Efeturi, were first arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu on June 10,
2016 via charge No. CR/219/16.
They all pleaded not guilty on July 27, 2016.
The government, however, initially amended the charge to prosecute
only Messrs Maikasuwa and Efeturi, but later withdrew the entire case.
Messrs Saraki and Ekweremadu had promptly issued a statement on
Friday saying the decision was a vindication of their positions that
they were innocent of the charges.
But Mr. Tinubu said this was no time for celebration.
“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,” said Mr. Tinubu.
“All is not well. Throughout the nation, the people stagger and groan
under the weight of economic hardship. This government and our party
must hear and respond to their plea. We must lead the way.”
“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,” he said.
“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.
“May those who are the beneficiaries of this legal outcome now
rededicate yourselves to fulfilling the progressive tenets of the APC
and to honoring the promises we made to the people with regard to their
governance and well being.
“Now that you have overcome this legal battle, you must dedicate
yourselves to helping Nigeria win the greater war against poverty,
despair and failure.”
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PLEASE BE POLITE