A former Minister of Works, Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe, says the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, could affect the development of the country.

Saraki is set to be arraigned on Friday (today) to answer 13 charges filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau over allegations that he made false declaration of assets while he was Governor of Kwara State.

However, Ogunlewe, who was a member of the Senate between 1999 and 2003, told The Punch correspondent during an interview on Thursday that taking Saraki to court would affect legislation and activities at the National Assembly.

Ogunlewe noted that just as senators escorted Saraki's wife to answer to allegations at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, it was likely that they would escort the Senate President to court as well, thereby abandoning their duties.

The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain said, "The Senate President is the head of the Senate and the chairman of the National Assembly. He is an institution and I won't be surprised if senators follow him to the tribunal in solidarity.

"A situation whereby the Senate President keeps making trips to court will not only put Nigeria in a bad light but will slow down activities at the National Assembly which would, in turn, affect the nation." Ogunlewe said it was irresponsible of the CBC to wait for four years before investigating Saraki.

He said although the bureau had the right to try anybody at anytime, it was regrettable that the process was selective. "Was Saraki the only person that was a governor all through the period? Why is it that it is only Saraki that is being targeted now?" he said.

The former lawmaker said although a faction of the Senate had yet to accept Saraki as the leader of the National Assembly, removing him would be a herculean task.

Ogunlewe said Saraki could appeal the case even when found guilty. He added, "Removing a Senate President is never an easy process. Now that Saraki will be facing the tribunal, if he is found guilty, he has the right to appeal the verdict and then the matter will be taken to the High Court.

"If he is found guilty again, the case will be taken to the Appeal Court and then to the Supreme Court. Imagine the amount of time that would be wasted and the effect it will have on legislative work within the period?" The PDP chieftain, however, noted that if Saraki was eventually removed, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, would not be allowed to succeed him.

"The Senate rules are clear in this regard. If the Senate President is found guilty by the Supreme Court and he is eventually removed, there will be a fresh round of elections among the senators and a Senate President will be picked. "The Deputy Senate President cannot succeed the Senate President the way the Vice-President will succeed the President," he said.