Former Senate President and Former governor of Kwara State Dr. Abubakar Saraki, has cautioned the incumbent Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, against politicising and trivialising the call for a transparent investigation into allegations raised against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Sunday, debunked claims by Akpabio that certain individuals were plotting to remove him from office due to his Niger Delta origin. The former Senate President stressed that his intervention was not about Akpabio’s resignation but rather a call for due process and accountability.
Saraki Denies Calling for Akpabio’s Resignation
According to Saraki, nowhere in his earlier press statement dated March 1, 2025, did he suggest that Akpabio should resign from office. Instead, he urged the Senate President to act in the best interest of the legislative institution by ensuring that the allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office leveled by Akpoti-Uduaghan are thoroughly investigated.
“The attention of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office has been drawn to the statement made by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while addressing some youth ethnic group leaders, that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States want him removed because he is from the Niger Delta,” the statement read.
Saraki described Akpabio’s remarks as an attempt to distract from the serious issues at hand, stressing that raising ethnic or political sentiments would not help the integrity of the National Assembly.
Call for Open and Transparent Investigation
Reiterating his stance, Saraki emphasized that the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan must be treated with utmost seriousness.
He urged the Senate leadership to uphold transparency and accountability in handling the matter, as failure to do so could create the perception that the legislature condones misconduct.
“Dr. Saraki in his last comment on the Akpabio-Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan crisis never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside. Rather, he urged the Senate President to be conscious of the fact that perception is reality and, therefore, he should avoid treating the allegations in a manner that suggests a cover-up,” Olaniyonu stated.
The former Senate President further noted that beyond the personalities involved, the issue touches on a broader concern of how institutions respond to accusations of misconduct, particularly those affecting women.
He argued that the Senate must take the opportunity to address the allegations in a manner that upholds public confidence.
Political and Ethnic Sentiments Should Not Distract from the Issues
Saraki dismissed any suggestion that his call for due process was influenced by political or regional bias, stating that he would have made the same demand regardless of the individuals involved.
He urged Akpabio to avoid exploiting ethnic sentiments and instead focus on upholding the integrity of the Senate.
“This issue is definitely not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither be in his own interest nor that of the institution over which he presides. He should face the reality on ground and do what is right,” Saraki said.
He reiterated that whenever allegations of sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination arise, they must be treated with transparency and fairness to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done.
Upholding the Integrity of the Senate
Saraki emphasized that his call for an open investigation is aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the Senate and ensuring it is not perceived as an institution that tolerates misconduct. He urged the leadership to take appropriate steps to ensure a fair and just resolution of the matter.
“Once again, Dr. Saraki stands by and maintains his earlier suggestion to Akpabio and the Senate leadership on the allegations raised by the Senator from Kogi State. An open, transparent, and honest investigation of the allegations is still needed to ensure that the Senate is not cast in the image of an institution that is tolerant of sexual harassment, gender bias, victimisation, and mistreatment of women,” the statement read.
Saraki, who recalled the sacrifices made to defend the integrity of the legislative institution, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the right processes are followed in addressing the issue.
“People like Dr. Saraki have made huge sacrifices in defending the integrity of the legislative institution and will not desist in speaking up for the right thing to be done. May God bless our institutions and our country,” the statement concluded.
