Natasha: Don’t trivialize call for due process in Senate, Saraki replies Akpabio

Regarding the controversy surrounding the Nigerian Senate, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has strongly responded to statement made by the incumbent Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Saraki, in a statement released on his official Facebook page, condemned Akpabio’s claim.

He said a call for a transparent and open process to investigate the accusations raised against him by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was part of a political plot to remove a Niger Delta person from office.

The dispute arose after Akpabio addressed youth leaders from various ethnic groups, alleging that certain individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States were attempting to remove him due to his ethnic background.

Saraki, however, rejected this narrative, characterizing Akpabio’s response as “cheap politics” and an attempt to trivialize what he described as a serious issue.

Saraki made it clear that he had never suggested Akpabio’s resignation, but had instead called for a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Saraki’s statement, which was signed by his media office’s head, Yusuph Olaniyonu, emphasized that the main concern was ensuring that the accusations were properly investigated and addressed.

He pointed out that Akpabio’s attempt to politicize the issue by framing it as an ethnic matter was misleading and counterproductive.

The former Senate President urged Akpabio to carefully read his March 1st press statement, where Saraki had stressed the importance of due process to uphold the credibility and integrity of the National Assembly.

Saraki added that it was crucial for Akpabio to act in the best interest of the legislature by ensuring that all allegations were justifiably dispensed with, without leaving any room for doubt.

Saraki further warned against undermining the process of due diligence and transparency, which are vital for the National Assembly’s legitimacy in Nigeria’s democracy.

He emphasized that, at a time when the integrity of the legislature is at stake, Akpabio’s attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation was not only inappropriate but dangerous for the country’s democratic processes.