Senate President’s Office Denies Interfering with Judicial Process

The Office of the Senate President has issued a statement denying allegations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, immediate past senator representing Adamawa North, that Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio interfered with the judicial process leading to his removal from office.

Such allegations were previously made by Mr. Abbo in 2023, but he subsequently withdrew the same, accepting the fact that they were “premature and based on the information available at our disposal”.

However, he has once again brought up the allegations, even after the court held his term null and void ab initio

The Senate President’s office has denied interfering with the judicial process, stating that Senator Akpabio has the highest regard for the independence of the judiciary and would not interfere with its processes. The statement further noted that the Senate President gives approval for payment only for those that have been duly screened and forwarded by the concerned administrative departments, in line with extant laws, Senate rules, and standard due diligence practices.

The Court of Appeal had ruled that Mr. Abbo’s occupation of the Senate seat was faulty, and that he was not rightfully elected as the Senator representing Adamawa North. The court’s ruling was based on a meticulous legal process, and the Senate President’s office has indicated that the court acted in line with the existing laws and the Constitution.

The statement also pointed out Mr. Abbo’s record of public conduct, including the 2019 incident when he was caught on camera assaulting a regular citizen in Abuja, for which he was ordered to pay N50 million in damages. This act, the statement averred, speaks volumes about his temperament and character.

The Senate President’s office has asked Mr. Abbo to introspect, follow the rule of law, and focus on restoring the trust of his constituents if he wishes to make a return to public life. The statement highlighted that democracy in Nigeria can thrive only if actors are mature, responsible, and have a enduring respect for the truth.

The statement has attracted a reaction from political analysts, who criticized Mr. Abbo’s behavior as a desperate attempt to remain relevant in the political scene. Others praised the Senate President’s office for its resolve to ensure respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.