In recent weeks, tensions have flared in the Nigerian Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. This public feud has sparked concerns about the integrity and reputation of the Senate, and now, former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has weighed in on the matter.
Saraki, who served as the Senate President during the 8th National Assembly, has expressed his sadness over the ongoing dispute, highlighting the negative impact it could have on the image of the Senate. In a statement issued to the public, Saraki highlighted the need for transparency and justice, stressing that the credibility of the National Assembly must be protected at all costs.
“The Senate is a sacred institution, the highest legislative body in the country, and its integrity must be safeguarded,” Saraki stated. “Every member and leader within the Senate has a responsibility to ensure that the image of the institution is not tarnished by unnecessary conflicts or allegations.”
The feud between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan stems from a series of public claims and counterclaims between the two. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is known for her advocacy on women’s issues and her push for greater representation of women in Nigerian politics, has been vocal in accusing Akpabio of misconduct. However, the details of the allegations remain unclear, and both parties have been involved in a back-and-forth exchange of accusations.
Saraki, however, refrained from taking sides in the dispute. In his statement, he made it clear that he was not accusing either party of wrongdoing. Instead, he called for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and resolve the matter. According to Saraki, the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions should lead the investigation, ensuring that both parties fully cooperate and present their claims.
“I believe that the committee should investigate the matter openly and fairly, without bias,” Saraki said. “The objective must be to find out the truth, not to protect any party but to ensure that the reputation of the Senate is upheld.”
This call for transparency and fairness comes from Saraki’s own experience during his time as Senate President. He recounted an instance during the 8th Senate when he himself was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duties. In response to the false claim, Saraki voluntarily submitted to an investigation by the Senate’s Ethics Committee, which was conducted openly and in the presence of the media.
“I remember that time very well. The claim was false, and I knew it was important for the public to see that the matter was handled transparently,” Saraki recalled. “I appeared before the Ethics Committee, and the process was done in full public view. The committee found no wrongdoing, and the matter was laid to rest.”
Saraki’s decision to cooperate fully with the investigation was not an easy one, but he believes it was the right decision in order to maintain the Senate’s credibility. He believes the current Senate leadership should follow a similar path if they want to resolve the dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan in a way that preserves the integrity of the institution.
While Saraki made it clear that he was not passing judgment on Akpabio or Akpoti-Uduaghan, he did highlight the importance of due process and the need for the Senate to be seen as an institution that values fairness and justice.
“We cannot allow the Senate to be perceived as an institution that tolerates misconduct or disregards its rules and regulations,” Saraki warned. “If anyone is found guilty of wrongdoing, it is important that the appropriate action is taken. But this must be done through a transparent process that protects the sanctity of the institution.”
The ongoing feud between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan has drawn significant public attention, with many Nigerians following the developments closely. Some have expressed concern that the situation could reflect poorly on the Senate, which is already under scrutiny due to other ongoing issues, including the recent controversies surrounding lawmakers’ allowances and the functioning of the legislative process.
Saraki’s call for transparency and fairness in resolving the dispute has been met with widespread support from those who believe that the Senate must act decisively to maintain its reputation. Civil society organizations and political analysts have also weighed in, urging both parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
However, Saraki has cautioned against making assumptions about the motives behind the dispute. While he acknowledged the importance of addressing gender inequality in Nigerian politics, he stressed that the current issue should be investigated on its own merits, without jumping to conclusions.
“The focus should be on resolving this particular issue fairly and transparently,” Saraki said. “It is important that we address the real concerns at hand and ensure that the Senate is seen as a place where justice and integrity are upheld.”
