APC’s professional arm tells Saraki to resign

Biodun Abimbola

A professional arm of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Salvage Group, Thursday called on Dr. Bukola Saraki to step down as Senate President and face his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal has demanded by morality and decency.

Senator Bukola Saraki

We are consternated according to the group that in spite of his (Saraki) indictment over mind-boggling fraudulent asset declaration, the sinking Senate President is still desperately hanging on to the Senate presidency without recourse to decency and international best practice.

The group in a statement by Peter Ajayi, National Coordinator, and the Publicity Secretary of the group, Bola Olanrewaju, said that it is shameful that while a new administration is working hard in concert with change-seeking elements for the reconstruction of a new Nigeria, the Senate president is busy joining forces with those who, for 16 years, ruined the lives of the Nigerian masses not only to bring negative publicity back to the country but also to scuttle the on-going reconstruction.

The statement reads, “Since the case against Saraki was not fabricated by the government, why can’t a Senate President who is accused be free to prove his innocence? Senator Okadigbo was removed from office as senate President and murdered as running mate to Buhari. Senator Nwagbara was removed.

“Senator Nwerem was removed from office.

“These men were members of the governing party and quietly left office and the nation continued under the misrule of PDP. Our President has rightly declared that if Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. If our nation will survive through the trial of the 109 senators and governors, our group and by extension, the entire Nigerians will support the President. We hope Senator Bukola Saraki will have his days in court soon.

“We like to say clearly here that some of his colleagues that purportedly passed a vote of confidence on him do not truly represent the feelings of their constituents, and so cannot be speaking for the 170 million Nigerians. The Senators cannot claim to know Saraki better than the millions of his Ilorin kinsmen who, on Sallah day, stoned him like the devil which they think he replicates.

“Saraki’s vote of confidence is mute because in presidential system, unlike Westminster parliamentary system, votes of confidence are inappropriate. When the process commences, his colleagues will surely abandon him as two of them have already done.

“It is very glaring that the protesters are hired thugs and we refuse to join issues with those who lack our conviction and love of the country. Our dear President Buhari is not under threat, but the pains and disappointment of losing the election have propelled the disgruntled elements into senseless commentary on state of affairs.

“We therefore join other well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the Senate President to step down immediately as only fools would stand back and watch crooks make laws for them. Nigerians are no fools.”