Natasha: Don’t Politicise Calls For Due Process In The Senate, Saraki Tells Akpabio

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly playing “cheap politics” over the calls for an open investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against him.

Saraki, in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, the head of his media office, dismissed Akpabio’s claim that certain individuals were calling for his removal because he is from the Niger Delta.

He urged Akpabio to carefully read his March 1st, 2025 press statement, clarifying that he never suggested the Senate President should resign.

Saraki’s position on the Investigation

The former Senate President emphasized that his only concern was the credibility of the Senate as an institution.

He stated that Akpabio should ensure that the allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are investigated in an open and transparent manner.

Saraki rejected Akpabio’s attempt to frame the issue along ethnic or political lines.

“Dr. Saraki in his last comment on the Akpabio-Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan crisis never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside,” the statement read.

“Rather, he urged the Senate President to be conscious of the fact that perception is reality and therefore he should avoid treating the allegations in a manner that will create the perception that the Senate is trying to cover up issues bothering on sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.”

Saraki further stressed that his intervention was not about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as an individual, but about ensuring that the Senate follows due process when such serious allegations arise.

He pointed out that there are already existing constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and legal procedures for handling such cases.

“This issue is definitely not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity,” Saraki stated.

“He should face the reality on ground and do what is right.”

Saraki argued that cases of sexual harassment and gender discrimination should always be handled with openness and transparency.

He warned that mishandling the matter could tarnish the image of the Senate, making it appear as an institution that tolerates sexual misconduct and “enthrones a culture of silence.”

Concluding his statement, Saraki reaffirmed his earlier call for an honest and transparent investigation.

“By having such an investigation, the general public and the international community will have more confidence in our legislative institution,” he said.

He also vowed to continue defending the integrity of the Senate, urging Akpabio to focus on ensuring justice rather than politicizing the issue.