Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied allegations by former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo that he masterminded the removal of five senators from the 10th Senate.
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Abbo, who was removed by the Court of Appeal, made the claim during an interview on Arise Television, accusing Akpabio of running the Senate like a personal empire and allegedly targeting lawmakers who opposed him.
In response, Akpabio, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the accusations, stating that he would not be distracted by unfounded claims.
In a statement titled “Re: Baseless Allegations by Mr. Elisha Abbo Against the President of the Senate”, Eyiboh reaffirmed that the Senate President remains focused on nation-building and providing purposeful leadership.
The statement reads:
“The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District until a judicial intervention.”
“Once again, he has sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for his judicial sanction, which led to his removal from the Senate.”
Eyiboh criticized Abbo for recycling previously retracted allegations, reminding the public that in 2023, the former senator had admitted his earlier claim was “premature and based on the available information at our disposal.”
“After 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.”
Eyiboh emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s decision to sack Abbo was based on legal facts, not political interference.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error.”
“The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North and, consequently, he was removed. The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law.”
“Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.”
He described Abbo’s suggestion that Akpabio influenced a court ruling as “illogical and irresponsible.”
The statement also addressed Abbo’s claims that he was denied salaries, allowances, and an official vehicle following his removal.
“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.”
Eyiboh clarified that the Senate President does not personally approve financial disbursements but rather follows due process.
“In matters of financial and administrative processing, the Senate President only approves payments that have been duly vetted and forwarded by the appropriate administrative units, in line with extant laws, Senate procedures, and standard due diligence practices.”
“If any of Mr. 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.”
Eyiboh further criticized Abbo’s public conduct, reminding Nigerians of the 2019 viral video in which Abbo was caught assaulting a woman in Abuja.
“Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja – an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages.”
“This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.”
He accused Abbo of resorting to media theatrics rather than accepting responsibility for his legal and political failings.
“These claims are not only baseless but also reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.”
The statement concluded by affirming that Senator Godswill Akpabio remains committed to nation-building and strengthening democratic institutions.
“Senator Akpabio 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.”
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