In a unanimous decision, Nigeria’s Senators yesterday directed its
Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to withdraw a
letter of invitation sent to Chairman of the Code of Conduct
Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar over allegations of corruption
against him.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Senators
reached a consensus that the timing of the invitation, which has
coincided with the ongoing trial of the President of the Senate, Dr.
Bukola Saraki, was not in the public interest.
A high-ranking Senator, who spoke in confidence, said: “At our
session, we reached a consensus that we should direct the Senate
Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to withdraw a
letter of invitation sent to the CCT chairman to appear on Thursday
(today).
“In arriving at these decisions, we took note of the fact that we
have a very bad image in the public. The perception is that we are
anti-masses; we oppose the anti-corruption agenda of the
administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and we do not
want anything good for the nation.
“Some of us personally felt touched that our image was being
battered by the conduct of some Senators who have chosen to take
some steps which they believe will save the President of the
Senate.
“We all restated our love for Saraki but we spoke frankly and
decided that his trial should run without inhibitions until justice is
served.”
In a letter of summons, signed by the secretary of the Committee,
Freedom Odolo, the Senate asked Umar to appear unfailingly
by 2pm on Thursday (today).

Source: The Nation