Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has characterized the assertion made by the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as “cheap politics and a trivialization of a serious matter.” This assertion pertains to Akpabio's claim that the call for a transparent and open investigation into the allegations made against him by his colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is an attempt to displace a representative from the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued by Yusuph Olaniyonu, the head of his media office in Abuja, Saraki urged Akpabio to carefully review his press statement dated March 1, 2025, which does not suggest that the Senate President should resign.
“Instead, he recommended that Akpabio act in the best interests of the legislative body by ensuring that the allegations raised by the Senator are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.”
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office has noted Akpabio's remarks made while addressing leaders of various “youth ethnic groups” on Friday, in which he claimed that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States are seeking his removal due to his Niger Delta heritage.
Typically, Dr. Saraki would have dismissed such statements as reflective of current political dynamics. However, the underlying intent to politicize and trivialize a significant issue that jeopardizes the integrity, credibility, and significance of the legislature necessitates a response. It is imperative to prevent the Senate President from fostering a misleading narrative regarding this critical matter within the National Assembly, which plays a vital role in our democracy.
Dr. Saraki, in his recent remarks regarding the crisis involving Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, did not call for the resignation or removal of the Senate President. Instead, he emphasized the importance of recognizing that perception shapes reality, urging the Senate President to handle the allegations raised by the Senator in a manner that does not suggest the Senate is attempting to obscure issues related to sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of power.
Furthermore, Dr. Saraki clarified that his intervention was not focused on the merits of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. He asserted that, given the serious nature of the allegations made public against the presiding officer, it is imperative to protect the institution's reputation through a thorough, honest, transparent, and impartial investigation.
In his press statement, he also highlighted that there are established procedures outlined in the Constitution, legal statutes, Senate regulations, conventions, and precedents that should guide the investigation process.
Moreover, Dr. Saraki firmly believes that his recommendations are intended to enhance the integrity of the legislative body. He will continue to advocate for these suggestions regardless of the Senate President's political affiliation or regional background. It is inappropriate and simplistic to interpret Dr. Saraki’s comments through such narrow lenses.
This matter should not be manipulated by Akpabio to incite ethnic tensions, political discord, or regional biases, as doing so would not serve his interests or those of the institution he leads. He must confront the situation honestly and take appropriate action.
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