I’m Surprised Elisha Abbo Is Blaming Me For His Removal After Apologizing – Akpabio

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has come out to say that he has no hand in Elisha Abbo’s removal from the National Assembly.

He recently had his say via a press statement by his media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, he was shocked to hear Abbo blame him again for his removal from the Senate barely two years after apologizing to him, and it is clear that Elisha has embarked on another campaign of misinformation and blame transfer.

Akpabio added that he can only urge Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents.

His words, “It is sad and regrettable that, despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was premature and based on the available information at our disposal—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer.

Following 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.

It is there in the papers (see PUNCH Newspaper of October 18, 2023). Mr Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. 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.

If any of 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. It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing.

Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He 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.”

WOW.