Adamu Bulkachuwa, the former Senator representing Bauchi North in the 9th Assembly, has refuted claims that he exerted influence over the decisions made by his wife, Zainab Bulkachuwa, during her tenure as the President of the Court of Appeal.
During the valedictory session of the 9th Assembly on the Senate floor, Bulkachuwa’s speech was interrupted by former Senate President Ahmad Lawan. Prior to the interruption, Lawan had alleged that Bulkachuwa used his position to seek favors for his colleagues through his wife.
Bulkachuwa intended to express gratitude to those who sought his assistance while his wife held the position of President of the Court of Appeal. He stated, “I look at faces in this chamber whom have come to me and sought for my help when my wife was the President of the Court of Appeal, and I’m sure… And I must thank particularly, my wife, whose freedom and independence I encroached upon while she was in office, and she has been very tolerant and accepted my encroachment, and extended her help to my colleagues…”
However, in an interview with BBC Hausa, Bulkachuwa clarified that his words had been misrepresented. He explained that he was interrupted by the former Senate President while attempting to elaborate on the nature of the assistance his wife provided. He emphasized that the support extended by professionals in various fields, such as legal practitioners, does not involve any illegal or unethical activities.
Bulkachuwa further stated, “In my personal relationship with her, I have never imposed upon her professional autonomy or attempted to influence her judgment in handling cases or running her office. Such matters are not even discussed in our home.”
Following Bulkachuwa’s comments, there was outrage, and Olisa Agbakoba, former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), called for the former lawmaker’s arrest. Agbakoba expressed disappointment in Bulkachuwa’s statement and its potential impact on the judiciary, stating, “Senator Bulkachuwa’s statement at the valedictory of the 9th Senate is a monumental disgrace for our institutions. This man deserves to be taken up immediately by the authorities. It is a blight on my confidence in our systems.”
The controversy surrounding Bulkachuwa’s remarks highlights the sensitivity surrounding the separation of personal and professional spheres, particularly within the judiciary. As the issue unfolds, further scrutiny and discussion regarding the independence and integrity of the legal system may arise.
