The charges brought against Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal have reportedly – been expanded.

The two fresh charges would be in addition to the 13 counts initially brought against him which bordered on false declaration of assets and operating an offshore account while serving as Governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

The new charges were premised on the fact that Saraki, even after the expiration of his tenure, still continued to receive salary and remuneration as Governor of Kwara state while being paid by the Federal Government, as a Senator between June 2011 and October 2013.

The allegation is believed to contravene Section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

The offence also falls afoul of section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

Furthermore, Saraki would also be charged with failure to declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau when he became Governor of Kwara state in 2003, his interest leasehold in the No 42, Remi Fani Kayode Street, Ikeja, Lagos property.

Saraki was alleged to have purchased the property on December 12, 1996 through his firm Skyview Properties Limited from First Finance trust Limited.

The alleged offence is believed to contravene section 15(1)(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, CAP. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) and (2), Part I o the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

Adebayo Emuleomo