Senate releases statement on withdrawal of Saraki, Ekweremadu's forgery case

The Senate on Friday said the forgery case against its presiding officers, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has been a distraction to the law-making body, and that the withdrawal of the suit is a confirmation of its position that the nation cannot afford any sharp division between the various arms of government.


In a statement by its spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate said the decision to withdraw the case and its subsequent dismissal, as well as the discharge of the defendants has confirmed its earlier position that the case was indeed an abuse of court process having been dismissed earlier by the court.

The statement reads in part, “We have always said it that that case was politically motivated. The executive cannot decide for the legislature the genuineness or otherwise of its standing rules.

However, where there is a crack in the wall, it is easy for others to capitalize on the differences between us. Now that Senators have closed their ranks, the executive is only taking the right cue.

“We are happy with this development. We believe it is a sign of good things to come. It is a victory for democracy. A victory for separation of powers, checks and balances and constitutionalism.

“We commend the judiciary for its continuous dedication and commitment to the rule of law in our democracy. We restate our confidence in their ability to adjudicate and dispense justice in all matters in the polity which no doubt greatly contribute to national productivity. Our commendation also goes to the Federal Ministry of Justice for being courageous enough to do the right thing”.