Saraki’s CCT trial: Umar, lawyers lower tension with jokes

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki on a  13 count charge of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal began on a convivial note on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Danladi Umar who came about 30 minutes after the scheduled 10 am resumption time had set the “good feel mood” rolling when immediately after taking his seat, he greeted the counsels and the court, Good morning!

The whole court roared back in response.

Then, when the counsels announced their appearance, Kanu Agabi, the lead defence counsel announced  Raphael Ajibola  Oluyede, the lawyer who was involved in altercations with the Chairman of the Tribunal at the last sitting over a motion he filed asking Umar to disqualify himself from hearing the case.

On mentioning the name of Oluyede, Mr Umar  interjected, “My friend,”

The defence counsel retorted: “Your very good friend,” a response which elicited laughter from Mr Umar.

“Let him stand up and bow to you,” Agabi commanded.

Oluyede promptly stood up and bowed to the Chairman of CTC.

The Court is in session taking the motion filed by Oluyede asking Danladi to disqualify himself from the trial.