Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has dismissed as “cheap politics” the accusation made by current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, that calls for a transparent investigation into the allegations against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are politically motivated attempts to remove a Niger Delta figure from office.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki rejected Akpabio’s assertion made during a meeting with youth ethnic groups, where the Senate President claimed that individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States were orchestrating his removal due to his Niger Delta origin.
Saraki urged Akpabio to carefully re-read his press statement from March 1st, 2025, where he made no mention of Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, Saraki had advised the Senate President to ensure that the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were thoroughly investigated and dispensed with transparently, to maintain the integrity of the legislative institution.
The statement from Saraki’s media office read, “Ordinarily, Saraki would have ignored the statement as an unfortunate reflection of the times we live in. However, the underlying motive of politicizing and trivializing such a serious issue, which threatens the integrity of the National Assembly, compels us to respond. We cannot allow the Senate President to mislead the public regarding the true nature of this matter, which affects the credibility of our democratic institutions.”
Saraki’s media office clarified that in his previous comments, he had never called for Akpabio’s resignation. “Rather, he advised that Akpabio should act in the best interest of the Senate by ensuring that the allegations raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are investigated openly and justly,” the statement emphasized.
Saraki reiterated that the focus of his intervention was not to validate or invalidate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, but rather to stress the need for a transparent investigation into such serious claims of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office. He added that since the matter was made public by Akpoti-Uduaghan, it was important for the Senate to address it in a manner that leaves no doubt about its commitment to justice.
The statement continued, “It is essential that such allegations be handled with utmost transparency, openness, and fairness. This is not about the individuals involved, but about preserving the reputation of the Senate and ensuring that the institution upholds the principles of justice and equity, especially when it concerns sensitive issues like sexual harassment and gender discrimination.”
Saraki stressed that his stance was not motivated by political or ethnic considerations, as some might suggest. He emphasized that the need for transparency and justice in dealing with such allegations was paramount, irrespective of political affiliation or regional origin. “This issue should not be exploited for ethnic or political gains,” Saraki stated. “It is about doing what is right for the Senate, for women, and for society at large.”
The ongoing dispute, which initially stemmed from a disagreement over seat arrangements in the Senate, escalated after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment an allegation the Senate President has denied. The controversy led to the Senate suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months last Thursday, citing violations of its rules.
Saraki concluded his statement by reiterating his call for a full, unbiased investigation into the allegations. He expressed confidence that such an inquiry would not only restore public trust in the Senate but also uphold the dignity of the legislative institution in the eyes of the nation and the international community.
