Saraki: Drama as CCT Chairman advocates for return of “Decree 2”

Saraki: Drama as CCT Chairman advocates for return of “Decree 2”

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 11:38 pm


Danladi Umar: chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal

Danladi Umar: chairman of Code of Conduct Tribunal

Though it was a statement made obviously out of frustrations, but most journalists did not find the seeming romance of Mr Danladi Umar with a decree that will put them  behind bars for performing their jobs a funny proposition.

The suggestion of  resuscitation of the infamous Decree 4 through which the then Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari jailed two journalists in the 80s was one of the sticky points in the continuation of trial of Senator Bukola Saraki on charges of false asset declaration on Tuesday.

Mr. Umar, has advocated for the return of the infamous Decree 4 which he erroneously referred to as Decree 2 to curb what he referred to as excesses of journalists.

Speaking at the end of Tuesday’s proceedings, Umar, who was angered by some reports of proceedings of the trial of teh Senate President in some newspapers had advocated that “journalists should be punished” for publishing falsehood”, which he said is “a criminal offence.”

Umar had specifically complained about publication in the media last indicating that the tribunal had adjourned the trial of the Senate President indefinitely.

The CCT Chairman accused journalists of practicing irresponsible journalism that is in bad taste for him and for his tribunal.

He said, “if I have my way I would bring back the decree 2 of the olden days to take care of the irresponsible journalists in this country”.

“How can they dare to publish that we have adjourned the trial of this defendant (Saraki) indefinitely, it is the highest point of irresponsible journalism but I thank God for them that we are in a democratic era and that is why they are doing what they are doing now”.

“They are embarking on sensational journalism to sell their newspapers at the expense of truth but that is not journalism but a serious crime that can lead them to jail”.

However, responding to the remark of the CCT Boss, the lead counsel to Saraki Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi SAN said he admires journalists a lot because of their contributions to the enthronement of democracy in this country.

Agabi told Umar that what Nigeria needs now is peace and not decree 2 and urged that all Nigerians should pray for peace rather than anything that can disturb the peace of the Nation.

 


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