Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has cautioned incumbent Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, against politicizing and trivializing the call for due process in the Senate. This comes after Akpabio claimed that Saraki’s call for a transparent investigation into allegations against him was an attempt to remove a Niger Delta person from office.
The controversy surrounds allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Akpabio of misconduct. Saraki had urged Akpabio to ensure a transparent and open process for investigating the accusations.
Saraki described Akpabio’s claim as “cheap politics and trivialising of a serious issue” [1]. He emphasized that his suggestion was not about Akpabio’s resignation but rather about ensuring that the allegations were investigated openly and transparently to maintain the integrity of the legislative institution.
Saraki urged Akpabio to avoid exploiting ethnic sentiments, political divisions, or regional proclivity, stating that this would not be in the institution’s or Akpabio’s best interest. Instead, he advised Akpabio to face the reality of the situation and do what was right.
The former Senate President reiterated the importance of handling sensitive matters like sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and mistreatment of women with utmost openness and transparency. He emphasized that an honest and unbiased investigation was necessary to maintain public confidence in the legislative institution.
Saraki stood by his earlier suggestion, calling for an open, transparent, and honest investigation into the allegations against Akpabio.
