Recall also that Wetkas was called to the witness box for the first time on April 5 to testify against the Senate President. Alhough he was not too large in size, but he was obviously very courageous at heart. Thus, during his evidence in chief, he listed the many sins of Saraki. He narrated how Saraki made several lodgements in some commercial banks in a day, how he lied about the source of money used to purchase his numerous houses in Lagos. He also explained how the defendant continued to receive salary as a governor of Kwara long after he left office. At the end of his narration, it came to the turn of the defence counsel to cross-examine Wetkas. For this part, Wetkas had to contend with Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN). Contrary to expectation, the exercise, which was expected to take a day or two, lasted 12 consective days and was suspended to enable the Tribunal go for its 2016 annual recess. When hearing on the matter resumed recently, precisely on November 11, the same Wetkas took his place in the witness box, with his cross-examiners poised for action. But a brief drama ensued shortly before Usoro could resume his cross interrogation for the day. The already frustrated prosection counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) had to quickly remind the chairman of the Tribunal, Danladi Umar, that parties were in court that day to conclude on the cross- examination. “My lord, we are here today for the defence counsel to conclude his cross-examination”, he quipped. But aware of his game plan, which was to cleverly but forcefully compel the defence to round-off the protracted exercise, the defence counsel quickly retorted: “My lord, we have come to continue with the cross- examination of PW 1.” Those who got the drift of the exchanges, burst into laughter and the court reminded both parties that while thoroughness was essential, time also was of essence in justice dispensation. Although Jacobs reaction was swiftly defended, it may have served the desired purpose. At least, the cross-examination ended the next day. “This is to announce that the defence has concluded the cross-eamination,” Usoro declared at the end. The stage is now clear for the prosecution to produce the PW2, but that can only wait till January 11, 2017, which is the next adjourned date. ]]>