Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed deep concern over the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. Saraki urged all parties involved to prioritize the integrity of the Senate and submit to an open investigation.
In a statement posted on his official X page on Saturday, Saraki noted that the situation was troubling because it could damage the image and credibility of the Senate. He stated that the National Assembly, as one of the three arms of government, must be protected from any actions that could undermine its values and public trust.
He said, “I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly—whether as a leader, member, or staff—should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.
“For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims.
“They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.”
Saraki called for a thorough investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to verify the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio. He noted that a fair and open investigation would help maintain the credibility of the Senate and prevent it from being seen as a body that tolerates misconduct.
He said, “The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter. The resolution should be conducted transparently, without any bias toward either party. The goal should be to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. ”
Drawing from his personal experience as Senate President, Saraki recalled how he faced allegations of importing an official car without paying customs duties. He noted that he willingly submitted himself to a public investigation, which proved his innocence and preserved the Senate’s reputation.
“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation,” he said. “During the 8th Senate, a Senator claimed that I imported an official car without paying customs duty. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, and I appeared before the committee to testify in the full glare of the media.”
Saraki urged the current leadership of the Senate to follow the same approach of transparency and fairness. He stressed that it is crucial to prevent the Senate from being seen as a place where issues like sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office are overlooked.
“We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness,” he noted.
The former Senate President made it clear that he was not taking sides in the matter but was only advocating for a fair process that would protect the Senate’s integrity.
“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” he stated.
Saraki concluded by stressing that democracy thrives when institutions remain strong and credible. He urged all stakeholders to put the interest of the Senate above personal conflicts and ensure that the legislative body remains a respected pillar of governance.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it,” he added.
