Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for a transparent and unbiased investigation into the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the Senate as an institution.
In a statement released on his official Twitter handle, Saraki expressed deep concern over the negative impact the controversy has had on the public perception of the Senate. He urged all parties involved to prioritize the institution’s sanctity over individual interests.
“I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution,” Saraki stated.
He stressed that adherence to the Constitution, the Senate’s rules, and parliamentary conventions is crucial in resolving the matter, advocating for an open and transparent investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Saraki recalled a similar situation during his tenure as Senate President when he faced allegations regarding an imported official vehicle. He noted that he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee, allowing the investigation to proceed transparently.
“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subject myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling, but I realized that was the best decision, and in the end, I am happy I traveled that route,” he said, encouraging the current Senate leadership to follow that precedent.
The former Senate President further cautioned against allowing the Senate to be viewed as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or disregard for parliamentary rules.
“We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve,” Saraki added.
Clarifying his stance, he emphasized that his call for an investigation was not an indication of guilt or innocence for either Akpabio or Akpoti-Uduaghan but a necessary step to uphold the Senate’s credibility.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity,” Saraki concluded.
His statement adds to the growing calls for a fair resolution of the dispute, as the Senate faces increased public scrutiny over the matter.
