By Haruna Salami
The Senate has set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate alleged assault by Senator Elisha Abbo representing Adamawa North Senatorial district on a nursing mother at a sex toy shop seen in viral video.
Senator Uba Sani representing Kaduna Central senatorial district who drew the attention of the Senate through order 14 explained that the video would bring the 9th Senate to public odium, if the allegation was not investigated.
He disclosed that he received 111 calls from within and outside Nigeria over the video, noting that the Senate must take action to save its reputation.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, yesterday night, there was a viral video involving Senator Elisha Abbo assaulting a nursing mother at a sex toy shop. ”
“Between yesterday night and this morning, I received about 111 calls internationally and locally over the issue and this Senate must take action to save its name.”
Contributing, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele urged the Senate not to be sensational. Citing sections 33, 34, 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, he said both parties have right to fair hearing at the appropriate forum, adding that justice must be seen to have been done.
Citing rule 56, Senate Minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe said Senate must not apportion blame until the matter is investigated.
“Rule 56 of our books like I said yesterday that we are 109 privileges Senators and so we cannot apportion guilt or take decision. Let’s suspend judgment until the matter is investigated.”
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan explained that he also received many calls locally and internationally, noting that the Senate will not condone indiscipline.
He assured that justice would be done and encouraged the alleged victim to provide more evidences, if there was any, while he set up the Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the matter.
The committee is chaired by Senator Samuel Egwu with the following senators as members: Oluremi Tinubu, Matthew Uroghide, Stella Oduah and Danladi Sankara.