Saraki Urges Akpabio, Natasha to Submit to Probe to Protect Senate’s Integrity

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging both parties to prioritize the protection of the Senate as an institution.

Saraki expressed concern over the negative impact of the dispute on the Senate’s integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception. He emphasized that everyone associated with the National Assembly should strive to protect the institution’s values, which make it the foremost among the three arms of government.

“The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter,” Saraki said.

He called for an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to determine the veracity of the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio.

Saraki drew from his own experience, recalling a claim made during the 8th Senate that he had imported an official car without paying customs duty. He cooperated fully with the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, appearing before the media during the investigation to clear his name.

Saraki emphasized that a transparent investigation is crucial in preventing the parliament from being perceived as an institution that condones sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard for standing orders and rules, and general disorderliness.

“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,” Saraki stated. He clarified that he is not taking sides in the dispute, emphasizing that an investigation is needed to uncover the truth and protect the Senate’s integrity.

“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.