Bukola Saraki, the former Senate president has weighed in on the ongoing controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging a transparent and impartial investigation to safeguard the integrity of the Senate as an institution.
In a statement titled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” Saraki expressed concern over the escalating dispute, warning that it could tarnish the sanctity and public perception of the National Assembly if not handled with care.
The controversy, which has dominated headlines in recent weeks, stems from allegations and counter-allegations between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central. While the specifics of the dispute remain murky, the public spat has raised questions about the Senate’s commitment to due process, gender sensitivity, and adherence to its own rules. Saraki, who served as Senate President during the 8th National Assembly, emphasised that the situation demands a thorough and open investigation to uncover the truth and restore public confidence in the legislative body.
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Saraki’s call for transparency
In his statement, Saraki stressed the importance of protecting the Senate’s reputation above individual interests.
“Every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, or worker, should always jealously protect the values that make the institution the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged both parties to exercise restraint and ensure that their actions do not further damage the Senate’s image. He called for the dispute to be resolved in accordance with the constitution, the laws of the country, and the Senate’s rules and conventions. “The resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties,” he added.
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The former Senate President recommended that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions conduct an open and honest investigation into the matter. He insisted that both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit to the probe, cooperate fully, and present their claims before the committee.
Drawing from past precedents
Saraki drew parallels between the current situation and his own experience during the 8th Senate, when he faced allegations of impropriety. He recounted how a Senator accused him of importing an official vehicle without paying customs duty. In response, Saraki voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee to testify in an open session, allowing the media to witness the proceedings.
“The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case,” Saraki recalled. He noted that he stepped down during the debate on the committee’s report, allowing his deputy to preside over the session to avoid any perception of bias.
Saraki described the decision to subject himself to an open investigation as “humbling” but necessary to uphold the Senate’s integrity. He urged the current Senate leadership to follow this precedent, emphasizing that a transparent probe would help dispel any notions of wrongdoing and reinforce public trust in the institution.
Protecting the Senate’s sanctity
Saraki expressed concern that the ongoing dispute could cast the Senate in a negative light, suggesting that the institution tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, and disregard for its own rules. “We should not allow the Senate to be shrouded in such perceptions,” he said.
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He called for due process to be followed in resolving the matter, ensuring that any wrongdoing is identified and corrected. “Where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made,” he stated.
Saraki clarified that his statement does not imply guilt on the part of Akpabio or vindication for Akpoti-Uduaghan. Instead, he emphasized the need for an impartial investigation to uncover the truth. “My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” he said.
A plea for institutional strengthening
Saraki concluded his statement by underscoring the importance of the Senate as a sacred and pre-eminent institution in Nigeria’s democracy. He called on all stakeholders, including leaders, members, and supporters, to work toward strengthening the Senate rather than undermining its sanctity.
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“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 said.
