Saraki Challenges Akpabio: ‘Face Reality and Do What Is Right’

The former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on the current Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to “face reality and do what is right” in response to sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Saraki’s remarks follow statements made by Akpabio last Friday when he hosted a group of Niger Delta youth leaders. During the gathering, Akpabio claimed that certain individuals in Adamawa and Kwara states were seeking his removal from office. Though he did not mention names, political observers quickly connected his comments to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Saraki, both of whom have recently urged Akpabio to step aside over the allegations.

The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusation that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom state. This allegation followed a tense exchange between the two senators regarding seating arrangements in the Senate chambers.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki dismissed Akpabio’s claims as “cheap politics” and an attempt to trivialize a serious issue that threatens the integrity of the Senate.

“Dr. Saraki in his last comment on the Akpabio-Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan crisis never called on the Senate President to resign or step aside,” the statement clarified. “Rather, he urged the Senate President to be conscious of the fact that perception is reality and, therefore, he should avoid treating the allegations in a way that creates the impression that the Senate is covering up issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office.”

Saraki emphasized the need for an open and unbiased investigation into the allegations, stating that the credibility of the Senate is at stake. He pointed out that there are established constitutional and legislative procedures for handling such accusations, and these must be followed to preserve the institution’s integrity.

Saraki further criticized Akpabio for attempting to frame the issue along ethnic and political lines.

“This issue is not about party affiliation or regional backgrounds,” Saraki stated. “It is disingenuous and crude to describe Dr. Saraki’s comment in those terms. Akpabio should not exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither serve his interests nor those of the Senate.”

Reiterating his stance, Saraki urged Akpabio and the Senate leadership to conduct an open and transparent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.

“An honest investigation is necessary to ensure that the Senate is not seen as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, victimization, and abuse of office,” he said. “This will bolster public and international confidence in our legislative body.”

Saraki concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the legislature’s integrity: “People like Dr. Saraki have made huge sacrifices to uphold the integrity of our institutions, and we will not stop speaking out for what is right. May God bless our institutions and our country.”