Saraki Criticizes Akpabio Over Alleged Politicization Of Senate Accountability Issues

Former Senate President Calls for Transparency in Handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has strongly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of politicizing serious concerns about accountability and due process in the National Assembly. Saraki’s remarks come in response to Akpabio’s claims that calls for scrutiny over allegations raised by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are part of a conspiracy to remove him from office due to his Niger Delta origins.

In a statement shared via his X handle, Saraki dismissed Akpabio’s assertion and urged him to focus on ensuring transparency rather than exploiting ethnic and political sentiments.

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Saraki Denies Calling for Akpabio’s Resignation

Saraki clarified that he never called for Akpabio’s resignation but only advised that the allegations against him be thoroughly investigated in a manner that upholds the integrity of the Senate.

“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 a reality and, therefore, he should avoid treating the allegations by the (Kogi Central) senator in a manner that will create the perception that the Senate as an institution is trying to cover up issues bordering on sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office,” the statement read.

Saraki stressed that his stance is not based on personal or political rivalry but on the need to safeguard the credibility of the legislative institution. He cautioned Akpabio against using ethnic or regional sentiments as a distraction from the core issue.

“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 is presiding. He should face the reality on ground and do what is right,” Saraki added.

Call for Serious Consideration of Gender Discrimination Allegations

Saraki further emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations touch on critical issues that resonate deeply with women across Nigeria. He argued that such concerns must be handled with the utmost seriousness and transparency.

“When a sensitive matter suggesting sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and mistreatment of women comes up anywhere, it evokes the pains that thousands of women across the nooks and crannies of our society experience daily,” Saraki stated. “Thus, when it is raised in a place like the legislative institution, it is an opportunity for us to handle it with utmost openness and transparency to ensure that justice is not only done but glaringly seen to be done.”

Akpabio Urged to Uphold the Integrity of the Senate

Saraki’s statement underscores the growing pressure on Akpabio to address Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations in a fair and transparent manner. While Akpabio has framed the controversy as a political attack, Saraki insists that the Senate President must focus on preserving the credibility of the legislative arm of government.

With mounting public interest in the case, political observers will be watching closely to see how Akpabio handles the situation and whether the Senate will take concrete steps to investigate the allegations.