EX-GOVERNOR DIDNT RUN ACCOUNTS.

AMID tight security, former Lagos Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
was arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday. But
the matter could not go on, as the prosecution served the defence a
new charge, shortly before the session. Tinubu is charged with alleged
operation of foreign accounts, more than four years after he left
office. Attempts by the prosecution to convince the court to read the
charge was rejected. CCT chairman Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar insisted
on fairness and justice in the handling of the case. He adjourned the
matter till October 26 for objection to the charge before the court.
Also yesterday, Tinubu
described his case as
political persecution and
challenged the
complainants to bring
their proof, if they had
any against him.
Addressing reporters after
the sitting, Tinubu said: "I
believe in the rule of law
and constitutional
democracy and the
respect for the judiciary,
believing equally that
those who allege must
prove beyond reasonable
doubt. The substance of
the case, I don't even
know.
"They said I operated
foreign accounts; they
have not shown me
statements of account,
they are yet to provide
information, even though
under the Freedom of
Information Act they are
expected to do that; they
have not provided me the
amount; is it from the
state money? Is it from
Lagos State or from my
almajiri exercise or
efforts? They have not
shown me.
"Suddenly, they pounced
on me with a new charge;
amended charge this
morning in the court
premises. That one, I have
not seen at all. I don't
know what the charge is.
Anybody who knows me
knows that I maintain an
open-door policy. My
address is known
throughout this country.
They gave excuses there
again that they had to
drop the summons in my
office because they
couldn't locate me. That, I
believe is a fabrication.
"The question is, this is all
politics.com. Nigeria is
facing a very crucial
challenge in our
democratic dispensation;
in our institutional
building. The focus of
service and development
to this country is very
crucial at this hour. I think
we should wait for them
to see and prove
whatever they have, but,
to me clearly, we should
concentrate on the
security, the welfare and
developmental
requirement of our
nation."