UPDATED: Senator Abbo reacts to the viral video says only part of it is revealed
Following the alleged assault by Senator Elisha Abbo caught on CCTV footage in a shop in Abuja. Abbo, 41, who is representing Adamawa North senatorial district has responded saying the owner of the shop only released a part of the video.
He said “We will soon release an official statement to the very old video that happened before I became a Senator; where my younger sister was beaten to a pulp in the shop and I was called upon there, I had to call an ambulance and the Police to get to the scene and it got out of hand. It is an old video but we will soon release a statement to that effect.”
Meanwhile Festus Keyamo (SAN) has called on the police to take immediate action towards the Senator. Abbo was reported to have slapped a nursing mother in a shop following a confrontation.
In a tweet on Tuesday, the President Muhammadu Buhari campaign spokesperson, listed three things that should be done by the police.
He tweeted: “The case of Senator Elisha Abbo is very straightforward: the Police MUST IMMEDIATELY take three steps: 1. Arrest him (no formal complaint is needed with the evidence on tape) 2. Obtain his statement (if he’s willing to make one) and that of the victim 3. Arraign him in court.”
Keyamo said the lawmaker should be arrested based on the evidence shown on video and he should be arraigned after he might have provided a statement.
Meanwhile, the Senate has officially set up committee to investigate Senator Abbo. The committee is chaired by Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North – PDP). Members are Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central – APC), Matthew Uroghide (Edo South – PDP), Stella Oduah (Anambra North – PDP), Dauda Haliru (Bauchi Central – APC), Danladi Sankara (Jigawa North West – APC) and Mohammed Sani (Niger East – APC).
Lawan said the committee will give fair hearing to all sides and submit its report in two weeks.
However, sequel to outright condemnation of the senator public conduct by all Nigerians, the embattled senator has publicly apologised to Nigerians for assaulting the woman.
Mr Abbo apologised on Wednesday when he addressed journalists in Abuja.
“It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo, profoundly apologize to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothers, the Nigerian women.
“I personally apologize to Bibra (the victim) and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity.
“I have never been known or associated with such actions in the past.
“Regardless of what transpired prior to my expression of anger, I am sincerely sorry and plead that all men and women of good conscience should have the heart to forgive me.
“To err is human, to forgive is divine. To the church of God everywhere in the world, I am sorry. As an ambassador of Christ, much is expected of me.
“My family and religious upbringing do not give approval of such conduct and for this, as a leader, I seek forgiveness before God and all those who feel offended by my action.
“Indeed, this episode has taught me very great lessons, but as a private citizen and a public officer, particularly as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is bestowed,” Mr Abbo said as he broke down in tears.
