Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the ongoing rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senatorial District representative, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging both parties to submit to an open and transparent investigation.
In a statement shared on his official X page on Saturday, Saraki expressed concern over the impact of the controversy on the integrity and public perception of the Senate. He called on all parties involved, both directly and indirectly, to prioritize the protection of the legislative institution over individual interests.
“I have observed from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. Everyone associated with the National Assembly—whether as a leader, member, or staff—must work to uphold these values,” Saraki stated.
He urged both lawmakers and their supporters to exercise caution in their words and actions to prevent further damage to the Senate’s reputation.
Calls for Investigation
Saraki emphasized the need for a formal inquiry into the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, suggesting that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions should handle the probe.
He stated, “At this point, with the public claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the right approach is to conduct an open, transparent, and honest investigation. Both parties must submit to the probe, fully cooperate with the committee, and present their cases objectively.”
According to Saraki, only a thorough and impartial investigation would prevent the Senate from being perceived as an institution that condones misconduct, including gender bias, abuse of office, and disregard for legislative rules.
Drawing from Experience
Saraki reflected on his tenure as Senate President, recalling an instance where he was accused of importing an official vehicle without paying customs duties. He noted that he voluntarily subjected himself to an Ethics Committee probe, which ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing.
“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid an investigation. During the 8th Senate, when a Senator falsely claimed I imported an official car without paying customs duty, I willingly appeared before the Ethics Committee in the full glare of the media. In the end, the facts proved the allegation was baseless,” he explained.
He added that when the committee submitted its report for debate on the Senate floor, he stepped down from presiding over the session to ensure a fair process.
Protecting the Senate’s Integrity
Saraki stressed that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow this precedent by ensuring an impartial, transparent, and credible investigation into the matter.
“The Senate must not be seen as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender discrimination, abuse of office, or disregard for standing rules. This is why the right course of action is to ensure a fair and transparent resolution of this dispute,” he said.
Clarifying that he was not taking sides in the controversy, Saraki stated, “Let me be clear—I am not saying Akpabio is guilty, nor am I declaring that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right. My position is that an investigation is necessary to establish the truth and protect the Senate’s integrity.”
He concluded by reiterating the need to safeguard the sanctity of the Senate, stating that all democratic institutions must be strengthened to maintain their credibility.
“For me, the Senate remains a vital pillar of our democracy. No individual, whether leader or member, should be allowed to undermine its sanctity,” he added.
