Sunday, March 2, 2025 - Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has reacted to the ongoing allegations of s#xual harassment leveled against the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement personally signed by him and titled “Akpabio-Natasha:
Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” Saraki called for “an open,
transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges,
and Public Petitions” to determine the accuracy of the allegations raised by
Senator Natasha.
Saraki, who presided over the Eighth Senate, emphasized that only an
open and honest investigation would prevent the Parliament from being perceived
as an institution that condones sexu@l harassment, gender bias, abuse of
office, disregard for standing orders and rules, and general disorderliness.
His statement reads in part
“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. 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.
Given the public claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the appropriate
step now is to initiate 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 present their
cases before it. This would not be the first time a Senate President has
appeared before the committee to facilitate a transparent inquiry. I recall
that during the 8th Senate, a Senator alleged that I imported an official car
for my use as Senate President without paying customs duty. Since I knew the
claim was false, I supported the referral of the matter to the Ethics Committee
and personally testified before it, in full view of the media. My testimony
proved that the Senator who made the allegation had misrepresented the facts
and was acting mischievously.
Furthermore, on the day the committee presented its report for debate on
the Senate floor, I stepped aside and allowed my deputy to preside. The
transparent manner in which the investigation and subsequent debate were
handled reassured everyone that there was no wrongdoing. This is a precedent
that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.
In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and to subject
myself to scrutiny was not an easy one. It was humbling, but I knew it was the
right decision. In the end, I am glad I took that route.
We must not allow the Senate to be viewed as an institution that
tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard for rules,
and disorderliness. A transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should
prevent this. Due process must be followed so that if any wrongdoing is found,
it is addressed and corrected, with appropriate remedies implemented.
Let me be clear: I am neither asserting that Akpabio is guilty nor
implying that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her claims. My stance is that
an investigation is necessary to establish the truth and protect the integrity
of the Senate.
To me, the Senate as an institution is of paramount importance. It is
sacred and preeminent. All proponents of democracy should work to strengthen
it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or covertly undermine its
sanctity.”
0 Comments