Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied involvement in the ouster of Senator Elisha Abbo from the Senate.
Senator Abbo represented Adamawa North in the national Assembly but was removed by the Court of Appeal in 2023, which declared Amos Yohana as the dully elected Senator for the senatorial district.
Abbo however claimed that Akpabio was behind his ouster from the Senate, saying the Senate President has forewarned him that ‘five senators’ would be removed from the Red Chamber.
The former Adamawa senator made the allegation on Wednesday while speaking on Arise Television, criticising the former Akwa Ibom governor for running the chamber like an emperor.
For instance, Abbo claimed that some senators serve Akpabio ‘tea’ in his house to show how firmly he’s in total control of the Senate, and how other senators are subservient to him.
Akpabio however denied the claim saying he had nothing to do with Abbo’s removal from senate, because he is not the court that sacked him from his former position.
He made the denial in a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Eseme Eyibor, adding that he was surprised that Abbo made the allegation after he had earlier exonerated him from what led to his ouster from the senate two years ago.
According to Akpabio, Senator Abbo had initially blamed him for his sack by the court, but later apologized to him, wondering why the Adamawa born politician now insisted that he’s responsible for his predicament.
Akpabio said for Abbo to now claim that he had a hand in his sack is irresponsible and illogical, saying he would not be distracted from his job as Senate President, despite efforts by some persons to smear his name.
Akpabio said, “It is sad and regrettable that, despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was premature and based on the available information at our disposal—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer.
“Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, Mr. Abbo himself acknowledged that Senator Akpabio had ‘no involvement’ in the judicial process that led to his removal. It is puzzling that he would now return to the same baseless allegations he once renounced.
“It is there in the papers (see PUNCH Newspaper of October 18, 2023). Mr Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.
“If any of Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta. It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing.
“Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.
“We urge Mr Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth,” Akpabio said.
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