Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has reacted to the ongoing allegations of sexual advances leveled against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement personally signed by him and titled ?Akpabio-Natasha: Let?s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,? Saraki called for ?an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions? to determine the veracity of the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Saraki, who presided over the Eighth Senate, emphasized that only an open and honest investigation would prevent the Parliament from being perceived as an institution that condones sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard for standing orders and rules, and general disorderliness. ?This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve,? he stated.

While cautioning against undue interference in the work of the investigative panel, Saraki maintained that the primary objectives should be to uncover the truth and protect the legislative institution from any perception of involvement in or tolerance of wrongdoing.

His statement reads In part: ?I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly?whether as a leader, member, or staff?should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.

?For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims. They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country?s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter. The resolution should be conducted transparently, without any bias toward either party. The goal should be to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking.

?Given the public claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the appropriate step now is to initiate 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 present their cases before it. This would not be the first time a Senate President has appeared before the committee to facilitate a transparent inquiry. I recall that during the 8th Senate, a Senator alleged that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President without paying customs duty. Since I knew the claim was false, I supported the referral of the matter to the Ethics Committee and personally testified before it, in full view of the media. My testimony proved that the Senator who made the allegation had misrepresented the facts and was acting mischievously.

?Furthermore, on the day the committee presented its report for debate on the Senate floor, I stepped aside and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and subsequent debate were handled reassured everyone that there was no wrongdoing. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

?In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and to subject myself to scrutiny was not an easy one. It was humbling, but I knew it was the right decision. In the end, I am glad I took that route.

?We must not allow the Senate to be viewed as an institution that tolerates sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard for rules, and disorderliness. A transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should prevent this. Due process must be followed so that if any wrongdoing is found, it is addressed and corrected, with appropriate remedies implemented.

?Let me be clear: I am neither asserting that Akpabio is guilty nor implying that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her claims. My stance is that an investigation is necessary to establish the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

?To me, the Senate as an institution is of paramount importance. It is sacred and preeminent. All proponents of democracy should work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or covertly undermine its sanctity.? (Saturday Tribune)

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