Former Senate President Bukola Saraki responded to ongoing allegations of S# Xual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, against current Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement signed by him personally and named “Akpabio-Natasha: We protect institutions rather than individuals”, Saraki called for “an open, transparent and honest Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Commission Investigation” to determine the accuracy of the allegations raised by Senator Natasha.
Saraki, who chairs the Eighth Senate, stressed that only an open and honest investigation could prevent Parliament from being seen as a tolerant institution that forgiving sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregarding conventional orders and rules and general chaos.
“I saw from a distance the latest developments in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Kogi Central from Natasha Akpoti-uduaghan. This situation makes me sad because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the institution. I believe that both as leaders, members and employees should work hard to protect these values, which makes the institution the most important of everyone in the three departments of the government.
“For these reasons, I think both parties to this dispute and their supporters inside and outside the chamber should take care of the impact of their actions, violations, reactions, claims and counterclaims. They must ensure that no measures are required to undermine the institution. The Constitution, national laws, Senate rules and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed. The resolution should be implemented transparently without prejudice against either party. The purpose should be to reveal the truth and to uphold the integrity of the legislature to ensure that it is not mistakenly considered to be tolerant or engage in any form of illegal acts.
In view of the public demands of Senator Akpoti-uduaghan, the appropriate step is now to initiate an open, transparent and honest investigation, conducted by the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Commission Committee. Both parties must obey the investigation, cooperate fully with the Commission, and file a case before that. This is not the first time the Senate president has appeared before the committee to promote transparent investigations. I remember being in the eighth Senate, a senator claimed that I imported a formal car without paying customs obligations to serve as Senate President. Since I knew the claim was wrong, I supported referring matters to the Ethics Committee and testifying in person in the media. My testimony proves that the senator who brought the charges misrepresented the facts and was in a state of investigation.
Furthermore, on the day the committee submitted its debate in the Senate, I resigned and allowed my deputy to preside over it. The transparent way of investigation and subsequent debates makes everyone assured that there is no wrongdoing. This is the precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.
In my case, it is not easy to allow public investigations and to review myself. It’s humble, but I know it’s the right decision. Finally, I’m glad I took this route.
We cannot make the Senate viewed as an institution that tolerate sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, disregard rules and disorderly. Transparent, open and impartial investigations should prevent this. Due process must be followed so that if any misconduct is found, it can be resolved and corrected and appropriate remedial measures can be implemented.
Let me say clearly: I neither assert that Akpabio is guilty nor that Senator Akpti-Udoagen is right in her claim. My position is that investigations must be conducted to establish truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.
To me, the Senate is crucial as an institution. It is divine and outstanding. All supporters of democracy should work to strengthen it. Leaders or members may not be allowed to publicly or secretly destroy their sanctity. ”
