Supporters of former Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, are reportedly celebrating rumors of the impending arrest of Senate President aspirant Abdulaziz Yari.
With the election of National Assembly presiding officers just a day away, Yari, who is favored by over 60 percent of the senators-elect, has garnered significant support for his agenda. This development has put Akpabio's camp and other influential figures on edge.
In an attempt to display his popularity, Akpabio and his stability group organized a meeting on Saturday, but were disappointed by the low attendance. Vice-President Shettima Kashim, also taken aback by the poor turnout, announced plans to launch a campaign to lure senators-elect away from Yari's camp. However, as the election draws nearer and no senators-elect have shown willingness to defect, desperation has set in within Akpabio's camp.
Reports from Akpabio's camp suggest mounting pressure on security agencies, including the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), the police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to prevent Yari and his key supporters from accessing the National Assembly on Tuesday. This desperate move has disregarded an existing court order that prohibited the arrest of Yari.
Specifically, a Federal High Court in Abuja, under the jurisdiction of Justice Donatus Okorowo, had restrained the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission (ICPC), and DSS from detaining Yari until June 27, 2023, when they should present their cause.
Last Thursday, the court extended this order following an oral application by Yari's counsel, Michael Aondoaka (SAN). The extension was granted after lawyers representing the EFCC and ICPC requested an adjournment to file their responses to Yari's motion.
During the court proceedings, Aondoaka confirmed that all respondents had been duly served as directed by the court. The application made by Aondoaka sought an extension of the order. Justice Okorowo, adjourning the matter until June 27, barred the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS from detaining Yari until they appear in court to present their cause on the next adjourned date.
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