Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged current Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure an open and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against the latter by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr Saraki emphasised the need for both Mr Akpabio and Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to resolve the matter fairly.
The allegations surfaced during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. She also alleged that Akpabio insinuated she should “take care of him” to secure favorable consideration for her motions on the Senate floor.
In response, Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, dismissed the claims as baseless and filed two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking N350 billion in damages.
Saraki, who served as Senate President from 2015 to 2019, stressed the importance of a transparent investigation to uphold the integrity of the Senate. He called on Akpabio to emulate the precedent he set during his tenure when he faced allegations of importing an official car without paying customs duties.
“In the 8th Senate, when a senator accused me of importing an official car without paying customs duty, I voluntarily appeared before the ethics committee in the full glare of the media. The committee’s findings demonstrated that the allegations were baseless, and this approach assured Nigerians of the Senate’s commitment to transparency,” Saraki said.
He advised Akpabio to step aside during the investigation, if necessary, and allow the committee to conduct its proceedings without interference.
“This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow. Accountability and transparency are the cornerstones of good governance, and this investigation provides an opportunity to demonstrate those values,” Saraki added.
The former Senate President warned against creating an environment where sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office could thrive unchecked. He stressed the need to protect the Senate’s reputation and ensure due process in resolving the matter.
“We must not allow the Senate to be perceived as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, abuse of power, or disregard for standing rules. A transparent investigation will ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed and the appropriate remedies applied,” he said.
Saraki clarified that his comments did not imply guilt on Akpabio’s part or confirm Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims but underscored the importance of finding the truth through due process.
“The Senate is a sacred institution in our democracy. Its sanctity must be upheld at all times, and all stakeholders must work to strengthen it. An unbiased investigation is necessary to ensure justice and protect the institution’s integrity,” Saraki concluded.
The allegations have drawn widespread attention, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also calling on President Bola Tinubu to ensure an independent investigation into the matter.
