*Ex-gov: It’s a welcome development

By Foluso Ajibulu

An Abuja based Non Governmental Organisation, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN), has hailed the Code of Conduct Tribunal over the planned  trial of former governor of Lagos State and leader of the Action Congress of Nigerai (ACN), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group described the trial already scheduled to begin on September 21 as a welcome development, adding that; “Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations must begin to speak with one voice against corruption because it (corruption) has no political party.”

Tinubu himself had, in responding to the imminent trial on Friday, said he welcomed it.

The SRLN, in a statement by its Coordinator, Comrade Chima Ubeku, yesterday said that with the trial of Tinubu, those thinking that they are sacred cows must begin to have a rethink.

The group also urged the Federal Government to prosecute Tinubu for alleged perjury, alleging, “he lied on oath by refusing to declare the operation of several foreign bank accounts in the assets declaration form CCB-1 he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau on 6th January, 2004.”

In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr. Olakunle Abimbola, Tinubu, on Friday, said: “After years of threats, political mudslinging and media trial on the impending allegations, a formal invitation to commence trial has finally come”. Abimbola said the former governor, as a law abiding citizen, directed that the summons be accepted when he learnt of the development.

He told his staff not to evade service, in conformity with his profound respect for the rule of law.

Tinubu had maintained that he was prepared to defend himself on the allegation and at a point challenged the Code of Conduct Bureau to head for the tribunal if it was sure of its facts.

He called on everyone to keep calm and be vigilant, “while the judiciary does justice to this matter”.