The Nigerian Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of assault against Senator Elisha Abbo. Six men and two women have been
The Nigerian Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations of assault against Senator Elisha Abbo. Six men and two women have been chosen as members of the committee which will be headed by Senator Sam Egwu. Members of the committee are Oluremi Tinubu, Matthew Uroghide, and Stella Oduah. Others are Dauda Haliru, Danladi Sankara and Mohammed Sani.
The seven-member ad-hoc committee investigating the assault incident by Elisha Abbo, a Peoples Democratic Party senator, is expected to submit its findings in two weeks, Senate President Ahmed Lawan has said. Abbo was caught on camera assaulting a woman in a sex toy shop in Abuja.
The senator, who represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, descended on the woman after she pleaded with him not to physically assault the shop owner whom the senator had accused of insulting him. He said the shop owner called him a drunk.
The incident occurred on May 11 — nearly three months after Abbo became a senator-elect and a month before he was sworn in on June 11. The attack happened as an armed mobile police officer looked on, and instead, made attempts to arrest the victim.
The Senate’s decision to set up the committee was sequel to a point of order raised by Uba Sani (APC, Kaduna Central). Mr Sani said the video has gone a long way in tarnishing the image and credibility of the Senate. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) described the incident as extremely tragic news and urged the Senate not to be sensational about it.
“Nigerians must also be able to see us as people who are willing and ready to lead by example.
The Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, said lawmakers should always show the same character inside and outside the chamber. On his part, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, said the report remains an allegation until an investigation is done. He said both parties would have a fair hearing.
“This morning, I received a lot of calls about the incident. I believe that this Senate will be responsive. We cannot condone any act of violence by anyone. If there is an allegation against any of us, we must ensure that justice prevails.
“We are going to set up a bi-partisan committee to investigate the issue. That will be an opportunity for our colleague to defend himself and also an opportunity for the lady assaulted to present and prove her case. This will be a Senate that will work for Nigerians.
