Saraki Slams Akpabio For Politicizing Call For Transparent Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Allegations
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly turning a serious issue into “cheap politics” after Akpabio claimed that calls for an open and transparent investigation into allegations against him were an attempt to remove a Niger Delta politician from office.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his media aide Yusuph Olaniyonu, maintained that his position was not about Akpabio’s resignation but about protecting the integrity of the Senate by ensuring a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Perception is Reality” – Saraki Advises Akpabio
Saraki dismissed Akpabio’s claims that the push for accountability was a ploy by individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States to unseat him. He described this as a deliberate attempt to “politicize and trivialize” an issue that concerns the integrity of the legislature.
“Dr. Saraki never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside. Rather, he urged him to act in the best interest of the institution by ensuring that no reasonable person is left with any doubt that the allegations raised by Senator Natasha were thoroughly and justifiably investigated.”
The former Senate President emphasized that his intervention was not about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s credibility but about ensuring that the Senate was not seen as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender discrimination, or abuse of office.
“Perception is reality, and Akpabio must avoid creating the impression that the Senate is trying to cover up a serious issue.”
Saraki Rejects Ethnic and Political Sentiments
Saraki made it clear that his stance was not politically motivated, nor was it influenced by ethnic or regional considerations. He insisted that his advice to Akpabio would remain the same regardless of the Senate President’s political party or geopolitical zone.
“It is disingenuous and crude to describe Dr. Saraki’s comments along ethnic or political lines. This is not about APC versus PDP or South-South versus North-Central. It is about doing what is right.”
He also warned Akpabio against exploiting ethnic sentiments to deflect attention from the core issue, arguing that this approach would not serve the Senate President’s own interest or that of the legislative institution.
Call for Transparent Investigation
Saraki reiterated his call for an independent and open investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, stressing that handling the matter with transparency would boost public confidence in the Senate.
“When an allegation of sexual harassment and gender discrimination is raised, it is an opportunity for the legislative institution to show openness and transparency so that justice is done and seen to be done.”
He maintained that people like him, who have made sacrifices to defend the integrity of the legislature, would not stop speaking up for accountability.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began over a seating arrangement dispute in the Senate, which later escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate President has denied.
The Senate eventually suspended Senator Natasha for six months on Thursday, March 7, for violating the Senate’s Standing Rules, further fueling the ongoing tensions within the Red Chambers.
