Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has strongly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for portraying calls for due process as a political conspiracy against the Niger Delta.
Saraki’s statement comes in response to Akpabio’s claim that demands for an open and transparent investigation into allegations against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are politically motivated.
In a statement signed by his media head, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged Akpabio to revisit his (Saraki’s) March 1, 2025, press release, clarifying that he never called for Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, he emphasized the need for the Senate to uphold its integrity by ensuring a transparent investigation into the allegations, thereby maintaining public trust in the institution.
“The claim by Senate President Akpabio that individuals from Kwara and Adamawa states seek to remove him due to his Niger Delta origin is a gross trivialization of a serious matter,” Saraki’s office stated. “Such rhetoric distracts from the core issue—the necessity for accountability in the legislature.”
Saraki stressed that his stance was not about partisanship but about the importance of public perception in governance. He warned that dismissing the allegations without a fair and thorough investigation could create the impression that the Senate condones sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.
The former Senate President underscored that the Constitution, Senate rules, and legal precedents provide clear guidelines for handling such sensitive matters. He insisted that these protocols must be followed, regardless of political affiliations or regional backgrounds.
“This is not about political maneuvering, ethnicity, or party lines,” Saraki said. “It is about ensuring that the Nigerian Senate remains a symbol of justice and accountability. Framing this issue along ethnic and political lines is misleading and dangerous.”
He further emphasized that allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination are serious concerns that affect countless women across Nigeria. “When such allegations arise in the National Assembly, it is an opportunity to lead by example—handling the matter with transparency and fairness to build public confidence in our democratic institutions.”
Saraki reaffirmed that an open and unbiased investigation is crucial. He stressed that the credibility of the Senate must not be sacrificed for political expediency.
“Dr. Saraki and others have made significant sacrifices to uphold the integrity of the legislature and will not be silenced in their demand for due process,” the statement concluded. “The Nigerian people and the international community must see that our legislative institutions stand firmly against gender bias, victimization, and abuse of power.”
As the Senate navigates this controversy, the call for transparency remains clear: leadership must rise above personal and political interests to uphold the sanctity of democratic governance.
