Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticized incumbent Senate President Godswill Akpabio for misinterpreting his earlier comments on the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Saraki had called for a transparent and open investigation into the accusations, but Akpabio claimed that Saraki wanted him removed because he is from the Niger Delta region.
Saraki clarified his position in a statement, emphasizing that he never suggested Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, he urged the Senate President to ensure that the investigation is honest, sincere, open, transparent, and unbiased. Saraki’s statement highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislative institution, particularly in cases involving sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.
Akpabio’s remarks were seen as an attempt to politicize and trivialize the issue, creating a misleading impression of the matter at hand. Saraki’s response stressed that his suggestions were for the benefit of the legislative institution, regardless of the Senate President’s party affiliation or regional background.
The controversy surrounding Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations has sparked concerns about the Senate’s handling of sensitive issues. The Senate had announced that it cannot proceed with an investigation into the allegations due to the absence of a formal petition.
