Saraki calls for transparent investigation in Akpabio-Natasha dispute

Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called for an open and transparent investigation into the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that the integrity of the Senate must be protected above individual interests.

In a statement titled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” Saraki expressed concern over the negative impact of the controversy on the public perception of the Senate.

“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,” he stated.

Saraki emphasised that both parties and their supporters must ensure their actions do not damage the Senate’s reputation. He urged adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in resolving the matter.

“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions,” he said. “Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it.”

Drawing from his tenure as senate president, Saraki recalled a similar situation where he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duties. He voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee to clear his name.

“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,” he explained. “From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.”

Saraki noted that during the debate on the committee’s report, he stepped aside to allow his deputy to preside, ensuring transparency. He urged the current Senate leadership to follow this precedent.

“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,” he warned. “This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve.”

Clarifying his stance, Saraki maintained neutrality, insisting that the objective should be uncovering the truth rather than favoring any party.

“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,” he stated.

The former senate president concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s critical role in democracy, urging all stakeholders to uphold its sanctity.

“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,” he said.