Assault: Senate, IGP begin probe, as Sen Abbo weeps

Following the directive by Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, the Police in Abuja has commenced an investigation into the public assault of a woman who was beaten almost to pulp by Senator Elisha Abbo.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Bala Ciroma, has contacted both Abbo and the female (victim), as well as the police orderly to report at the command headquarters for investigation.

The Senate also, yesterday, set up a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegation against the senator and report back at plenary in two weeks, just as Senator Abbo wept at the secretariat of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, apologising to Nigerians for his misbehaviour.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, who disclosed this while addressing a group of protesters at Force Headquarters, assured that justice would not only be done in the matter but would be seen to have been done. He noted that the police, under the leadership of IGP Adamu, would not sit by and watch or condone the molestation of any Nigerian.

However, in a mild drama, yesterday, Abbo wept at the national secretariat of PDP, Abuja, where he apologised for his misconduct. The 41-year-old lawmaker who battled to control his emotions, said he was sorry for what happened, adding that regardless of the provocation, his action did not portray him as a good ambassador of the Senate, the PDP and the youths of Nigeria. He said:

“It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo, profoundly apologise to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party, my family as well as our mothers—the Nigerian women. “I personally apologise to Barbara (the lady he reportedly assaulted) and her family for my action, which has brought immense discomfort to our body polity. “l 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 to 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 a very great lesson, both as a private citizen and a public officer, particularly as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon whom public confidence is reposed.”