Bukola Saraki’s 13-count charge of false asset declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, will proceed as scheduled.

In spite of the Senate President’s appeal at the Supreme court, the tribunal ruled on Thursday, that the trial will continue.

Federal government’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, told the tribunal that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had delivered a judgement on October 30, dismissing Saraki’s appeal against his trial.

“My Lords all the contention as to the jurisdiction of the tribunal has been settled. The Appeal Court held that the charge was proper and the tribunal properly constituted to sit with two members.

“We have the the Certified True Copy of that judgment. This matter was adjourned for report and for continuation of trial, we are ready.”

But Saraki’s lead lawyer, Mahmud Magaji , SAN, implored on the tribunal to adjourn the trial, pending the ruling of the Supreme C‎ourt on Saraki’s appeal.

Magaji informed the tribunal that Saraki had also filed an application for the stay of further proceeding on the matter.

“In essence, we are saying that we have a valid appeal before your lordships at the Supreme Court”, saying for the tribunal to proceed with hearing on the matter would amount to an affront and disrespect to the judicial hierarchy.

In response, the tribunal ruled that the trial of Bukola Saraki would proceed on November 19.

After hearing the ruling, Saraki’s lawyers walked out of the court, describing the judgement as judicial rascality.