After trying, unsuccessfully and many times, to stop his corruption trial, Nigeria’s embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Tuesday “he is glad his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on asset declaration in 2003 has finally commenced”.
Mr. Saraki is being tried over false declaration of assets and is also facing allegations of massive corruption after the Panama Papers revealed that his wife hid millions of dollars abroad.
In a statement after court proceedings during which a prosecution witness claimed that repeated deposits were made into his bank account, the embattled Senate President said “the proceedings of today” had given him “confidence that if the trial is conducted fairly he would be vindicated”.
The Senate President noted that even though the prosecution tried to bring in some dramatic narratives, it was clear that they were merely thrashing around and hoping to titillate the public with salacious tales.
He added that he was hopeful however that when the time comes, his lawyers will have the opportunity to present his case.