Saraki Urges Akpabio, Natasha to Submit to Senate Probe
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a statement posted on his official X page on Saturday, Saraki urged all parties involved to prioritize the integrity of the Senate as an institution over individual interests.
“I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly—whether as a leader, member, or staff—should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.”
Saraki stressed that both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, along with their supporters, must be mindful of their actions, reactions, and public statements to ensure that the credibility of the Senate remains intact. He called for an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to address the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio.
“The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter. The resolution should be conducted transparently, without bias toward either party. The goal should be to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking.”
Saraki emphasized that a thorough probe was necessary to prevent the Senate from being seen as an institution that condones sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard for standing orders, and general disorderliness.
Drawing from his experience as Senate President, Saraki recounted an incident during his tenure when he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duty. He explained that he voluntarily submitted to an open investigation by the Ethics Committee, which ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing.
“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in conducting a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle.
Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, and I appeared before the committee to testify in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.
Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.”
Saraki admitted that submitting to such scrutiny was humbling, but he believed it was necessary to protect the Senate’s credibility.
“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.”
Saraki maintained that he was not taking sides in the dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan. Rather, he insisted that a transparent probe was the best way to safeguard the Senate’s reputation.
“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.”
