Why Senate should conduct open probe into Akpabio-Natasha controversy — Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged the Senate to launch a transparent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and disregard for Senate rules involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Saraki, who led the 8th Senate from 2015 to 2019, emphasized that an open inquiry is essential to uncover the truth and safeguard the Senate’s reputation as an institution.

In a detailed statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), encouraged the 10th Senate to thoroughly investigate the matter. He stressed that both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan should cooperate fully to resolve the issue, citing past instances of similar investigations under his leadership.

“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.

He highlighted the importance of handling the situation in line with constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions to avoid tarnishing the institution’s image.

“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,” he continued. “Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it.”

Saraki referenced his own experience during the 8th Senate when he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee after being accused of importing an official vehicle without paying customs duties.

“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,” he recalled. “From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.”

He noted that allowing a public inquiry, even when difficult, ultimately strengthened the Senate’s credibility, and urged current leaders to follow that precedent.