Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has responded to the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central against the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. In a statement titled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals”, Saraki called for an “open, transparent, and honest investigation” by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to verify the claims raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Saraki, who led the Eighth Senate, stressed that only a fair and transparent investigation could protect the Parliament from being viewed as an institution that condones misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, and violations of standing orders and rules.
In his statement, Saraki said:
“I have been following the recent events involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and I am deeply concerned about the negative impact on the Senate’s integrity and public image. Those who have been associated with the National Assembly, whether as leaders, members, or staff, must safeguard the institution’s values, which place it at the forefront of the three arms of government.
Both parties involved, along with their supporters, should be mindful of the consequences of their actions and ensure that nothing harms the institution. The process to resolve this issue must be in line with the Constitution, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions, conducted in a transparent, unbiased manner to uncover the truth and uphold the Senate’s integrity.”
Saraki further stressed the importance of initiating an open investigation, citing his own experience during the Eighth Senate when a false claim was made against him. Saraki fully cooperated with the Ethics Committee, participated in the inquiry, and allowed his deputy to preside over the debate when the findings were presented. He emphasized that this precedent should be followed to ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the Senate.
Saraki made it clear that he was not making judgments about the guilt of Akpabio or the veracity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. He simply called for an investigation to ascertain the truth and protect the Senate’s standing.
“The Senate as an institution is sacred and must not be undermined,” Saraki concluded, urging all democrats to strengthen the institution and ensure that no leader or member diminishes its sanctity.