Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has responded to the ongoing sexual harassment allegations made against the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central.
In a statement he personally signed, titled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” Saraki called for an “open, transparent, and honest investigation” by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to thoroughly examine the validity of the claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Saraki, who led the Senate during the 8th National Assembly, stressed that only through an open and impartial investigation could the Senate maintain its integrity and avoid being seen as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or disregard for parliamentary rules and order.
His statement reads, in part:
“I have followed, from a distance, the recent events surrounding the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation is disheartening due to its potential negative impact on the integrity and public perception of the Senate. I believe that everyone associated with the National Assembly, be it as a leader, member, or staff, should protect the values that uphold the institution’s standing as a crucial branch of government.
“For this reason, I urge both parties involved, along with their supporters, to be mindful of the effects of their actions, inactions, and reactions. It’s essential to ensure that nothing tarnishes the Senate’s reputation. The resolution of this matter must follow the Constitution, Senate rules, and parliamentary practices, conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner. The objective should be to uncover the truth and maintain the integrity of the Senate, preventing any misperception of the institution being complicit in wrongdoing.
Given the serious nature of the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, it is now imperative to initiate a thorough, open investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must cooperate fully with the committee and present their sides. This is not the first time a Senate President has appeared before such a committee for transparency. During the 8th Senate, a Senator accused me of importing an official car without paying customs duties. Knowing this was false, I supported the referral of the case to the Ethics Committee and personally testified before it in the presence of the media. My testimony disproved the allegations and demonstrated the accuser’s malicious intent.
On the day the committee’s report was debated in the Senate, I stepped aside, allowing my deputy to preside over the matter. The transparency of the process reassured everyone that no wrongdoing had occurred. This is a precedent the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.
Admittedly, subjecting myself to an open investigation was not easy, but it was the right course of action. Ultimately, I’m glad I chose transparency.
We must not let the Senate be perceived as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or neglect of rules. A transparent, impartial investigation will ensure due process and, if any misconduct is found, it will be properly addressed.
Let me make it clear: I am not asserting that Akpabio is guilty, nor am I claiming that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are definitive. My position is that an investigation is necessary to ascertain the truth and uphold the integrity of the Senate.
To me, the Senate is a sacred institution that must be protected and strengthened by all those who believe in democracy. No individual, leader, or member should be allowed to undermine its sanctity in any way.”
