Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has accused the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of politicizing and trivializing the leadership issues within the Senate.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki criticized Akpabio for failing the transparency test in handling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Saraki condemned Akpabio’s attempt to ethnicize the call for an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him. Instead, Akpabio has resorted to alleging attempts to remove him from office due to his Niger Delta origin.
Saraki clarified that his earlier statement on March 1, calling for a proper investigation into the sexual harassment allegations, was not a call for Akpabio’s resignation. He emphasized the importance of an open and transparent investigation to maintain the integrity of the legislative institution.
The statement highlighted that Saraki’s intervention was not about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or the validity of her claims but about ensuring the Senate’s image is preserved through an honest and unbiased investigation. Saraki reiterated that his suggestions were for the benefit of the legislative institution and not influenced by political or regional affiliations.
Saraki urged Akpabio to avoid exploiting ethnic sentiments and political divisions, stressing the need for transparency and justice in handling sensitive matters like sexual harassment and gender discrimination. He called for an open investigation to ensure the Senate is not perceived as an institution tolerant of such issues.
Saraki concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the integrity of the legislative institution and advocating for the right actions to be taken.
