PeakNews Online
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged his successor, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to handle the controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations with transparency and integrity.
Saraki’s comments came in response to Akpabio’s claim that some individuals from Adamawa and Kwara States were plotting to remove him. Though Akpabio did not mention names, both former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Saraki—who hail from Adamawa and Kwara, respectively—had earlier called for a fair investigation into the case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Allegations and Senate Controversy
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to his home. This followed her disagreement with the Senate leadership over seating arrangements in the chamber, which later led to her suspension for six months.
Akpabio, during a meeting with some Niger Delta youth leaders, suggested that forces from Adamawa and Kwara States were behind moves to unseat him.
Saraki’s Response: “Don’t Politicize a Serious Issue”
In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his media aide, Saraki dismissed Akpabio’s claim as cheap politics aimed at diverting attention from the real issue.
“Ordinarily, Dr. Saraki would have ignored the statement as a sign of the times in which we now live. However, its underlying motive of politicising and trivialising a serious issue that threatens the integrity, credibility, and importance of the legislature is the reason why we must set the record straight.”
Saraki reiterated that his intervention was not politically motivated and had nothing to do with party affiliations or regional biases. Instead, he stressed the need for a credible and unbiased investigation into the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This issue is definitely not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither be in his own interest nor that of the institution over which he is presiding.”
Call for Transparent Investigation
Saraki maintained that an open and transparent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations is crucial to protecting the image of the Senate.
“The general public and the international community must have confidence in our legislative institution. The Senate should not be seen as tolerant of sexual harassment, gender bias, victimisation, abuse of office, or a culture of silence on sensitive issues.”
He further emphasized that he would have made the same recommendation regardless of who was involved.
“Face Reality and Do What Is Right”
Saraki urged Akpabio to rise above political distractions and handle the matter with honesty and sincerity.
“People like Dr. Saraki have made huge sacrifices in defending the integrity of the legislative institution and will not desist in speaking up for the right thing to be done.”
The controversy continues to stir debate within Nigeria’s political landscape, with increasing calls for Senate accountability and gender sensitivity in handling allegations of misconduct.
