By: Joy Odor/Abuja
Heated arguments ensued Tuesday , between Senators Oluremi Tinubu (APC Lagos Central) and Ishaku Elisha Abo (PDP Adamawa North) over method to be adopted in carrying out investigation on criminal offence recently committed against a woman by the latter.
Senator Abo had on account of physically assaulted a female sales rep in May this year at a toys shop in Abuja, ran into trouble last week when the matter was pushed into the public domain through the media.
The Senate as a result of embarrassment caused by the report on alleged violent conduct of the senator, set up an ad-hoc committee last week, to carry out thorough investigation on it and report back within two weeks.
But at the sitting of the Committee Tuesday, the Senator being investigated and a member of the committee, Oluremi Tinubu, fired verbal missiles against each other over method to be adopted for the investigation.
While the embattled Senator Abo kicked against being quizzed before the camera by members of the committee since the matter in question, is already in court, Senator Tinubu objected to his complaint by washing him down and even threatened that the committee may recommend for his suspension.
Trouble actually started when the committee headed by Senator Samuel Egwu (PDP Ebonyi North), asked the Senator being investigated to brief the committee on what happened between him and the woman at toys shop in May,
Abbo in his response said: “I cannot be speaking before this committee because that would be subjudice since the matter under investigation is already before the court. So, why should I be facing the camera”
Infuriated by Abo’s submission, Senator Tinubu said: “Distinguished, we want to tell you. You are just joining us. We have also have a procedure. What we are doing , we are doing it as a legislature . Everybody deserves a fair hearing.What is going on with you, affects us as a body. That is why the Senate President constituted this committee.
“You can see the level and integrity of members of the committee . You don’t come here and dictate to us, the procedure we are supposed to follow. You are undermining us by trying to do that. You are not evening listening to us. Even if we are going beyond what you expect, you can stop us. Do you want us to protect you, defend you or do you want to be on your own?”
Attempt made by Senator Abo to interject Senator Tinubu at this stage , worsened as she shouted: “Put off your mic and let me finished my point. Do you also realise that this committee can also suspend you?
“Off that mic, you are digging a hole for yourself. I am also another woman, you better be careful. We took the decision and you didn’t even wait for us to tell you the method we wanted to adopt”.
But the embattled Senator fired back by saying “I take exception to that . I am a senator like you . I will not sit down here and watch you threaten me with suspension”.
The committee thereafter went into closed door session.
