ABUJA — Mutterings over alleged misappropriation of N1.2 million Senate Committee funds spilled over in the Senate yesterday culminating in the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local governments, Senator Isa Mohammed allegedly slapping his chairman, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo.
Senator Anisulowo (PDP, Ogun) responding to the incident which happened in the entrance hall to the main building of the National Assembly complex, told newsmen that she was set to take legal action against Senator Mohammed. Senator Mohammed (PDP, Niger) could not be reached last night to respond to the incident which was confirmed by several eye witness accounts.
Senator Anisulowo said the incident happened as the committee delegation was set to pay a visit on Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Senator Tawar Wada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Information speaking on the issue, said the matter would possibly be taken up by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges if it was proved that the fracas flowed from Senate functions.
According to eye witness accounts, Senator Mohammed had intercepted Senator Anisulowo in the lobby of the National Assembly complex and questioned her over her alleged unilateral withdrawal of committee funds for personal use. “Why are you spending the money of the Committee without consulting the members of the Committee. You first withdrew N700,000 and again N500,000. Is it your father’s money,” Senator Mohammed, shouted at Anisulowo. As Senator Anisulowo turned her back on Senator Mohammed, Senator Mohammed drew her back to face him and landed a slap on her face drawing the attention of nearby policemen and Senators who rushed to separate the two distinguished Senators. Both Senators shortly drove off.
Senator Anisulowo returned to the main building of the National Assembly complex some hours later and made consultations with Senator Ibrahim Mantu, the deputy Senate President. Following the consultations, she told newsmen that she was going to press legal action against Senator Mohammed. “When he slapped me, I didn’t do anything. I was provoked but what will I do? In the presence of everybody should I be replying?” Senator Anisulowo, a minister during the Sani Abacha regime said.
“I have reported the matter to the Police because I am having aches on the left eye and I am going to the hospital so I have told the Police about it. The Police has asked me to make a statement. I have told the deputy Senate President about it before I now talked to you though I didn’t tell him I would speak with the press.Yes, I will take legal action against him. You don’t have to bother yourself about that. I am a notable and prominent person in Nigeria for any man to slap me unjustly,” she said.
Responding to the issue, Ms. Temi Harriman of the House of Representatives condemned the action saying that it was outrageous for the Senator to be slapped within the precincts of the National Assembly. She said: “This is inexcusable, no matter the circumstances. It is illegal under the laws of the land and a gross insult, and a disrespect not just to the person of Senator Anisulowo, but to her constituents who elected her to the Senate.”
