Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has reacted the fresh probe of Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki by the
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
EFCC had last week written the clerk of the Senate demanding the receipts, cash books and documents of the contracts of the Office of the President of the 8th Senate led by Bukola Saraki.
The Anti-Graft Agency said it was investigating cases of conspiracy, stealing and money laundering.
However, Atiku, in a statement said while he stands against corruption, the present probe against Saraki was persecution.
“…there is a huge difference between prosecution and persecution. I am all for prosecuting the corrupt, but I believe it is wrong to use the instruments of state to persecute political opponent.
“Dr. Bukola Abubakar Saraki, the immediate past Senate President, is one of the most investigated politicians in Nigeria. He has been investigated and prosecuted all the way to the Supreme Court and has prevailed against his accusers. It was expected that that should have been the end of the matter.
“However, the revival of previously investigated cases, and the fact that Dr. Saraki was politically opposed to the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari seems to give strong grounds for objective bystanders to conclude that his current travails have gone beyond prosecution and are now tending towards persecution.
“The laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are made for all and we fought for democracy so that the powers of the state would not be used to suborn tyranny and oppression.
“In the instance, I urge Dr. Bukola Saraki to stand firm and take solace in the fact that Nigerians still hold the constitution higher than any other authority.
“I urge all Nigerians, and especially those tasked with upholding the constitution and the laws of the land, to note that silence in the face of oppression is akin to acquiescence. I, Atiku Abubakar, will always stand up for the constitution and Nigeria.