Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has urged the Senate to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement on Saturday, Saraki expressed deep concern over the dispute, warning that if not properly handled, it could undermine the integrity and public perception of the upper legislative chamber.
He emphasized that the Senate, as a critical institution of democracy, must uphold the highest standards of fairness and accountability, urged both parties to prioritize the institution’s reputation above personal interests.
Saraki called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, parliamentary rules, and ethical standards in resolving the matter, while encouraging full cooperation with the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to establish the truth.
Drawing a distinction between the current case and his own experience in the 8th Senate, where he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee over allegations of importing an official car without paying customs duty, Saraki noted that while his case involved administrative procedures, the present allegation touches on more sensitive issues that demand a thorough and delicate investigation.
He stressed that his intervention was not to declare either party guilty or innocent, but to advocate for due process and the preservation of the Senate’s integrity.
Saraki warned against any action that could portray the Senate as an institution that tolerates misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office.
He concluded by urging all lovers of democracy to support efforts to strengthen the Senate rather than allowing internal conflicts to weaken its credibility.
The allegations stem from a heated face-off between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20, 2025, after the Kogi Senator discovered that her seat had been changed without prior notice. The situation escalated on February 28, when Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio’s action was a form of punishment for rejecting his advances.
