KEY POINTS

• Saraki calls for an open Senate investigation into Akpabio’s harassment allegations.
• He warns against turning the issue into politics.
• Fair investigations are key to keeping the Senate’s good name.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticized current Senate President Godswill Akpabio for turning a serious matter into politics.

Saraki said his call for an open investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not about removing Akpabio because he is from the Niger Delta.

As reported by Vanguard, the issue began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

Her allegations shocked many Nigerians and sparked widespread debate. Akpabio dismissed the claims and suggested that calls for an investigation were attempts to remove him because of his Niger Delta roots.

In a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, head of Saraki’s media office, Saraki asked Akpabio to carefully read his press release from March 1, 2025. Saraki said he never asked Akpabio to resign. He only called for an open investigation to clear doubts and protect the Senate’s image.

“It’s important for people to see that the investigation is open and fair,” Saraki said. “This isn’t just about the people involved but about keeping the Senate’s good name.”

Focus on finding the truth, not politics

Akpabio had suggested that the push for an investigation was an attempt to remove him because he is from the Niger Delta. But Saraki dismissed this, saying the issue is about protecting the Senate’s image.

“Normally, I would ignore this kind of political talk,” Saraki said. “But when serious issues are turned into politics, it’s important to speak up. The focus should be on finding the truth, not making it about where someone is from.”

Saraki said his comments were not about supporting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or saying her claims were true. Instead, he focused on how the Senate handles issues like sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power.

“When such serious claims are made, especially against a leader, there must be an open and fair investigation,” Saraki said. “This is about making sure the Senate is seen as fair and honest.”

Keep the Senate’s name clean with a fair investigation

Saraki explained that there are clear rules and processes for handling such matters. Ignoring these rules, he said, could harm the Senate’s image.

“It is wrong to say my comments are based on where anyone is from,” Saraki said. “My concern is to protect the Senate’s good name. I would say the same thing, no matter who is in office.”

He warned Akpabio not to use ethnic or political reasons to distract from the real issue. Saraki urged him to focus on doing the right thing for the Senate and for Nigeria.

“Issues like sexual harassment and abuse of power are serious and affect many people,” Saraki said. “When such issues come up in the Senate, it is a chance to show good leadership. The best way to do that is by being open and honest.”

Saraki repeated his call for an open investigation. He believes this is the only way to gain public trust and ensure people see the Senate as fair.

“This is about protecting the Senate’s good name,” he said. “I will always stand for fairness and justice. This is the right time to show that our institutions work.”

Saraki ended by praying for Nigeria’s democracy. He urged everyone to focus on what is best for the country and not personal or political interests.