Less than 24 hours before the election of Presiding Officers of the 10th National Assembly, rumours are circulating that the presidential aspirant for President of the Senate, Abdulaziz Yari, may be arrested by security agents and whisked away from Abuja before Tuesday morning.
The former Zamafara state governor, who is believed to be favoured by over 60 per cent of senators-elect, has successfully sold his agenda to his supporters and has attracted massive support, a development that has put the Akpabio’s camp and some influential powers on edge.
Last Saturday, Akpabio and his stability group convened a meeting aimed at displaying his popularity. At the meeting, Vice President Shettima Kashim said he would embark upon a serious campaign aimed at poaching senators-elect from the camp of Yari.
Yari’s camp has alleged that pressure will be mounted on security agents to do everything possible to prevent Yari and many of his key supporters from accessing the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Justice Donatus Okorowo-led Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining Yari until June 27, 2023, when they should appear to show cause.
Last Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja extended the order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and Department of State Services (DSS) from detaining Sen Abdul’aziz Yari.
Justice Okorowo extended the order on Thursday after Yari’s counsel, Michael Aondoaka, made an oral application to the effect.
The development occurred following a plea for an adjournment moved by the lawyer to the EFCC, Gloria Ogbason, and her counterpart representing the ICPC, Kemi Odogun, to enable them to file their responses to Yari’s motion.
Upon resuming the hearing in the matter, Aondoaka informed that all the respondents had been served as directed by the court.
Aondoaka’s application for an extension of the order.
Justice Okorowo, who adjourned the matter until June 27, barred the EFCC, ICPC and DSS from detaining Yari until they appear to show cause on the next adjourned date.
