Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
The social media space was on fire yesterday following the video of a Nigerian Senator, Mr Ishaku Abbo, allegedly beating up a lady in a brutal manner at an adult shop located in Abuja.
Protests were staged at the police headquarters in Abuja, calling for his prosecution, while the lawmaker reportedly skipped plenary at the red chamber, ostensibly because of the backlash that followed his action, which happened in May 2019, few months after he was elected to represent the people of Adamawa North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Though he initially promised to give a “robust response” to the issue, which he claimed was being used by his opposition to tarnish his image, the Senator later yesterday addressed the media at the office of his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the briefing, Mr Abbo urged the victim, her family and Nigerians to forgive him because this was the first time he was in such situation.
“It is with a deep sense of remorse and responsibility that I, Senator Ishaku Abbo (SIA) profoundly apologize to all Nigerians, the Senate, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my family, friends as well as our mothers – the Nigerian women.
“I personally apologize to Bibra and her family for my action towards her, which has brought immense discomfort in our body polity.
“I 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 bestowed.
“Finally, I assure Nigerians, especially the people of Adamawa North of my good conduct at all times.
“Thank you and God bless,” Senator Abbo said in his apology.
But his apology has generated mixed reactions, with some insisting he must be prosecuted to pass a strong message to power-drunk citizens, while others want the issue to be laid to rest since he has admitted being wrong.
Some Nigerians, who spoke on the matter on social media, said apologising to the victim, her family and concerned persons showed that the lawmaker has realized his mistakes, promising to be a better person. They said the Senator should be given a second chance and pardoned.
However, other commentators, who viewed the apology from a psychological angle, said the man was not remorseful enough to be let off the hook.
They want the law to take its course and should not be spared because if a similar thing had happened to a “common Nigerian”, the person would have been prosecuted and not shown any mercy.
