Speaker Abbas’ supporter explains act of holding gown amid plea for medical aid

Ahmad Saidu, a resident of Zaria and supporter of House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has explained his actions after holding the Speaker's gown during a political event in Zaria on Monday. The incident occurred at the Mallawa Eid Ground when Saidu, popularly known as Abba, approached Abbas during his re-election declaration. Saidu sustained a fracture in his right hand, broken in three places, from an accident and said he was seeking medical assistance. He had received treatment at the Traditional Orthopaedic Centre, Likoro, and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital before being referred to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna. Financial constraints halted further treatment after private support ended. "We could not continue with the treatment because we cannot afford the medical bills after the support we received stopped," he said. Saidu stated he attended the event hoping to personally appeal to the Speaker for help. He said he held Abbas' gown to show his injury but was dragged away by security. He expressed regret, stating he never intended to embarrass the Speaker. "If I had known the incident would cause such national embarrassment to the Speaker, I would have preferred to continue living with the pain," he said. He affirmed his support for Abbas, citing past interventions by the Speaker. Saidu's father, Malam Sa'idu-Ibrahim Abubakar, also apologised to the Speaker. He accused political opponents of distorting the incident. He confirmed the family had struggled for over two years to fund treatment across both hospitals. He commended Abbas for agreeing to cover his son's medical bills despite the disruption.

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