Akpabio – Natasha Dispute: Ex-Senate President Saraki Urges Transparent Investigation to Protect Senate’s Integrity

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The former President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for calm and transparency as tensions rise between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a press release, Dr. Saraki expressed his sadness over the dispute, emphasizing that such conflicts could harm the integrity, sanctity, and public perception of the Senate.

“I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution,” Saraki stated.

Highlighting the paramount importance of the Senate as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, Dr. Saraki urged all parties involved to prioritize the institution above individual interests. “Every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker, should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government,” he said.

Saraki further stressed the need for adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in addressing the matter. He advocated for a transparent and unbiased investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. “The resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking,” he explained.

Drawing from his experience as Senate President during the 8th National Assembly, Saraki recounted how he subjected himself to a similar process to ensure transparency. He cited an incident in which he was accused of importing an official car without customs clearance.

Saraki said he cooperated fully, appearing before the Ethics Committee and testifying in front of the media, which ultimately revealed the allegations to be baseless. “The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case,” he recalled.

He called on the leadership of the 10th Senate to follow this precedent, emphasizing that transparency is essential to protect the Senate from allegations of misconduct, such as sexual harassment, gender bias, or abuse of office.

Saraki stated, “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.”

While maintaining a neutral stance, Saraki emphasized that the investigation must be objective and thorough. “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,” he clarified.

In his concluding remarks, Saraki reiterated the critical importance of the Senate as a democratic institution. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and collaboratively to protect its sanctity. “For me, 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 asserted.

StreetReporters.ng

This post has already been read at least 111776 times!