The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned alleged action of Sen. Elisha Abbo in a Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) footage assaulting a lady.
The party stated this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the party’s attention had been drawn to a CCTV footage relating to allegations of malfeasance by Abbo, representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, elected on the party’s platform.
“The PDP, as a law-abiding and upstanding party, detests and completely condemn such act of lawlessness and callousness as exhibited in the video and will therefore never condone it.
“Our party is also shocked that the harmless victim of the unprovoked assault is said to be a nursing mother, who ought to be protected,’’ he said.
Ologbondiyan said that though the alleged action was a personal conduct of an individual which had no bearing with the culture of the party, the PDP however held that no responsible person would condone such an attitude.
“In the light of this, the NWC has commenced investigation into the matter and summons Abbo in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP and code of conduct of our members.
“In the same vein, the party has taken note of the immediate action taken by the senate,’’ he said.
Ologbondiyan said that the PDP at all levels of engagement, is reputed for her utmost respect and commitment towards the rights, safety and well being of the citizens, particularly women and “cannot tolerate any callous assault on any Nigerian.’’
He assured Nigerians that the PDP would always stand on the side of justice.
He added that the party would never spare a thought in taking action on any of its members found wanting, particularly those elected or appointed into public offices.
Meanwhile the Lagos State chapter of Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), says it is deeply disappointed with Sen. Elisha Abbo (PDP-Adamawa North) over his alleged assault on a young lady.
The group disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by its state coordinator Mr Abdulwaheed Odunuga and Secretary Mr Adekunle Aderibigbe on Wednesday in Lagos.
It also expressed displeasure over the lawmaker’s reaction on the issue.
“With the assault being an embarrassment to humanity for not upholding morals, Abbo should be investigated.
“If he should be spared, then he would have laid bad precedence for the current serving #NotTooYoungToLead leaders and those proposing,” the group said.
The youth leaders cautioned against excessive use of the legislative ascendancy to address personal concerns and dealings by lawmakers and other public officers.
“The abusive use of public office must be addressed with this issue to set the tone right for others.
“Those entrusted with public offices should always remember that they were elected or appointed there to serve and not to use the power to intimidate us,” it added.
The group urged public officers to always comport themselves.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senate on Wednesday, set up a bipartisan ad hoc committee headed by Sen. Sam Egwu, to probe the alleged assault on the nursing mother by Abbo.
