Akpabio vs. Natasha: Saraki calls for transparent probe to protect senate integrity

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the escalating dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging all parties to prioritize the integrity of the National Assembly over personal interests.

Saraki, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the potential damage the controversy could inflict on the Senate’s sanctity, public perception, and overall credibility.

He emphasized that those associated with the National Assembly, whether as leaders, members, or workers, must strive to uphold its values as the foremost institution among the three arms of government.

“It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution,” Saraki stated.

He called for adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in resolving the matter, stressing that the resolution must be transparent and not favor any individual.

Given the seriousness of the allegations, Saraki recommended an impartial investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. He insisted that both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan must cooperate fully with the committee and present their cases openly.

“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,” Saraki noted.

Recalling his own experience during the 8th Senate, Saraki cited an instance where he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duty. He voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee and testified in full view of the media, demonstrating transparency.

“From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous,” he explained, adding that he even stepped down from presiding when the committee’s report was debated on the Senate floor.

Saraki warned against allowing the Senate to be perceived as an institution that condones misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or disregard for standing rules. He maintained that a transparent and unbiased investigation is the only way to uphold due process and ensure accountability.

“The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made,” he said.

Clarifying his stance, Saraki stressed that he was not taking sides in the dispute but was instead advocating for an impartial probe to uncover the truth and safeguard the Senate’s integrity.

“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 concluded.

With this intervention, Saraki has positioned himself as a voice of reason, calling for due process in handling a controversy that has generated nationwide attention. Whether the Senate leadership will heed his advice and conduct a transparent investigation remains to be seen.