By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

ABUJA—The police and civil defence corps yesterday averted what would have been a violent clash between pro and anti-Saraki protesters in the National Assembly complex.

For the third day running, hundreds of anti-Saraki protesters, under the aegis of Citizens United for Peace and Stability, CUPS, had laid siege to the National Assembly, insisting that Senate President, Bukola Saraki, resigned on allegations of corruption leveled against him and controversies surrounding the 2016 budget and purchase of 36 exotic cars for some senators.

Pro-Saraki senators had also in the last three days protested at the National Assembly, countering those against the senate president.

While the anti anti-Saraki’s group insisted that Saraki must go, the pro- Saraki’s group said the senate president was not going anywhere, describing his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, as political persecution which, if not checked, could portend danger for the nation’s democracy.

The pro- Saraki’s group vowed to occupy the Presidential villa at the expiration of seven days ultimatum given to President Muhammadu Buhari to address the economic problems confronting Nigeria and Nigerians.

The pro-Saraki protesters were armed with banners and posters with various inscriptions as “Saraki will not resign”, Saraki will remain senate president”, “Leave Saraki alone”, “APC save our party, save National Assembly”, and “Stop