Bukola Saraki comments on Akpabio and Natasha’s saga

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has reacted to the ongoing S3xual H@rassment issue between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement titled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” Saraki called for an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to determine the accuracy of the allegations raised by Senator Natasha.

Saraki Bukola, who presided over the Eighth Senate, emphasized that only an open and honest investigation would prevent the Parliament from being perceived as an institution that condones sexu@l h@rassment, gender bias, abu$e of office, disregard for standing orders and rules, and general disorderliness.

“For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims.

They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.”

Saraki clearly stated that he is neither asserting that Akpabio is guilty nor implying that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her claims. His stance is that an investigation is necessary to establish the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

He concluded by saying that the Senate is an institution of paramount importance. It is sacred and preeminent. All proponents of democracy should work to strengthen it. And no leader or member should be allowed to openly or covertly undermine its sanctity.