Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called for an independent and uncompromising investigation into the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, Saraki warned that the credibility of Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber was at stake, urging the Senate to handle the matter with full transparency to avoid a lasting stain on its reputation.
“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.
His comments come amid rising public scrutiny and concerns over ethical standards in the legislature. The former Senate President stressed that the Senate must uphold constitutional principles, parliamentary rules, and ethical norms to prevent any perception of bias or a cover-up.
Saraki cited his own experience with Senate investigations, recalling how he appeared before the Ethics Committee during his tenure to clear his name when allegations were made against him. “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 noted.
By urging both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to cooperate fully with an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Saraki underscored the need for fairness and due process. He warned that neglecting such serious allegations could erode public trust and damage the institution’s reputation.
“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. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” Saraki maintained.
The controversy has reignited conversations about gender bias and misconduct in Nigerian politics, with political analysts warning that failure to address such allegations transparently could further undermine public faith in democratic institutions.
As pressure mounts, all eyes remain on the Senate to see whether it will heed Saraki’s call for a thorough and impartial investigation, setting a precedent for accountability and ethical governance.