Akpabio-Natasha Messy War; Saraki Calls for Transparent Investigation, Says Protection of Senate’s Integrity ,Not Individual Is Paramount   

By Omowumi Omotosho

Amid rising tensions in the Nigerian Senate, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has called for an open and impartial investigation into the ongoing dispute between 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 expressed his concern over the potential damage the controversy could inflict on the National Assembly’s image and public perception. He emphasized that all individuals involved, including supporters of both parties, must be mindful of their actions and ensure that nothing tarnishes the institution.

According to Saraki in the statement which he personally signed and released on Saturday, “I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution.

“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

“It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution,” Saraki stated.

He called for adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in resolving the matter. Saraki stressed that any resolution must be conducted transparently to avoid any perception of bias.

“The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.

“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it,” he asserted.

Saraki recommended that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions conduct an open and thorough investigation, with both parties fully cooperating. He cited a precedent from the 8th Senate, where he himself appeared before the committee to address allegations regarding an imported official vehicle.

“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media,” he recalled.

Saraki further explained that he even stepped down from presiding over the Senate on the day the committee’s report was debated, ensuring that the process remained impartial.

“From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous. Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside,

“The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route,” he added.

Highlighting the broader implications, Saraki warned against allowing the Senate to be associated with allegations of misconduct, including gender bias, abuse of office, and disorderliness.

“We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made,”he declared.

He maintained a neutral stance, clarifying that his position was not about determining guilt or innocence but ensuring that due process prevails.

“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate,” Saraki stated.

Saraki concluded by reiterating the importance of upholding the Senate’s sanctity, urging all lovers of democracy to prioritize the institution’s integrity over individual interests.

“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity,” he emphasized.