Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called for a thorough investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment between incumbent Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had publicly accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom.
The alleged incident has sparked a heated debate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan filing a lawsuit against Akpabio for defamation and seeking N100 billion in damages.
The dispute between the two lawmakers has been ongoing, with Akpoti-Uduaghan resisting her reassignment to a new seat in the Senate chamber.
In a statement, Saraki highlighted the negative impact the development is having on the Senate’s image, integrity, and public perception. He said a thorough and transparent investigation will help clear the air and maintain Senate integrity, urging all involved to prioritise the institution above personal interests.
Reflecting on the situation, Saraki emphasised that every member, leader, and worker in the National Assembly must protect the values that uphold the Senate as a crucial arm of the government.
“I believe that 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.
He called on both parties involved in the dispute, along with their supporters, to consider the broader consequences of their actions and ensure that nothing undermines the Senate’s reputation.
Saraki stressed the need for an investigation that adheres to constitutional laws, parliamentary conventions, and Senate rules.
“The resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objective should be to unfold the truth and protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking,” he noted.
Drawing from his own experience, Saraki shared an example from his tenure as Senate President when he was the subject of a similar investigation.
He recalled a claim made during the 8th Senate that he had imported an official car without paying customs duty. Saraki cooperated fully with the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, appearing before the media during the investigation to clear his name.
“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 said.
Saraki emphasised that the transparent manner in which the investigation was conducted proved that the allegations were unfounded, and the Senate’s integrity was upheld.
Saraki called for a similar approach in the current dispute, urging the leadership of the 10th Senate to follow the precedent of openness and transparency.
He argued that the Senate should not be seen as an institution tolerating misconduct, such as sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, or disregard for Senate rules.
“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,” he stated.
Saraki made it clear that he was not taking sides in the ongoing dispute.
“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,” he emphasised.
