Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for an open and transparent investigation to uphold the integrity of the Senate.
In a statement posted on his Twitter handle, Saraki expressed deep concern over the negative impact of the controversy on the sanctity, public perception, and credibility of the Senate. He emphasised that individuals come and go, but the institution must be protected at all costs.
“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," Saraki stated.
He urged all parties involved, including their supporters within and outside the chamber, to exercise caution in their actions, reactions, and public statements to ensure the institution is not undermined. He further stressed that constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions should guide the resolution of the matter.
Saraki advocated for the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct an independent and unbiased investigation, urging both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to fully cooperate. He noted that there is precedent for such inquiries, recalling his own experience as Senate President when he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee after allegations were made against him regarding the importation of an official vehicle.
“Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, and I appeared before it 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,” Saraki recounted.
He noted that during the debate on the committee’s report, he stepped aside and allowed his deputy to preside, ensuring transparency and fairness. He urged the leadership of the 10th Senate to adopt a similar approach, allowing due process to determine the facts and address any wrongdoing.
“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. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve,” he stated.
Saraki clarified that his position does not imply that Akpabio is guilty or that Akpoti-Uduaghan is right but rather that an investigation is necessary to ascertain the truth and preserve the Senate’s dignity.
“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 concluded.
The call for an independent probe comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Chamber, with both parties standing firm in their positions. Whether the Senate leadership will heed Saraki’s advice remains to be seen.
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