'War against corruption is fully on course', says AGF on Saraki

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has revealed the motivations behind his decision to appeal against the acquittal of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The Federal Government filed an 11 grounds notice of appeal against the ruling of the Danladi Umar-led tribunal after it dismissed the government's 18-count false assets declaration charge against the former Kwara state Governor on June 14.

The Attorney-General revealed that his commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari's fight against corruption is a big driving force for his decision to take the case to the Court of Appeal.

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He made this revelation on Wednesday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Salihu Isah and the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, AGF Office, Okoi Obono-Obla.

The statement read, "The Honourable Attorney of the Federation wishes to assure Nigerians that despite some recent setbacks recorded in some of the cases involving politically exposed people; that the war against corruption is fully on course.

"It shall be fought resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

"The Federal Government is more than ever before committed towards the complete eradication of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.

"In this regard, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has directed that a Notice of Appeal be lodged against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal acquitting and discharging false assets declaration case preferred against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki."

The Federal Government is expected to take the case to the Supreme Court if it doesn't get a favourable ruling at the Court of Appeal.

After accusations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Saraki was charged to court in 2015 on false declarations of assets when he was Kwara state governor.

In defiance, the Senate President filed a no-case submission before the tribunal in May 2017, saying all evidence presented by the prosecution lacks merit.

In last week's ruling, Umarsaid the prosecution failed to prove the case against Saraki and acquitted him.