Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he describes as an attempt to trivialize a serious issue by turning it into a political and ethnic debate.
Saraki’s response comes after Akpabio claimed that calls for a transparent investigation into allegations against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were part of a plot to remove a Niger Delta politician from office.
Saraki Denies Calling for Akpabio’s Resignation
In a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki dismissed Akpabio’s remarks, urging him to carefully read his earlier statement from March 1, 2025. He clarified that nowhere in his comments did he call for Akpabio’s resignation but rather stressed the need for an open and credible process to address the allegations.
“Dr. Saraki never suggested that the Senate President should step down. Instead, he advised Akpabio to act in the best interest of the institution by ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation that leaves no room for doubt,” the statement read.
Warning Against Ethnic and Political Manipulation
Saraki also warned against using ethnic or political sentiments to deflect from the core issue at hand, emphasizing that the integrity of the Senate was at stake. He insisted that his stance was not influenced by party affiliations or regional considerations but rather by the need to uphold due process and protect the reputation of the legislature.
“This issue should not be reduced to ethnic politics or party divisions. The Senate President must face reality and do what is right,” Saraki stated.
Calls for Due Process and Transparency
He further highlighted that there are constitutional provisions and established Senate rules for handling such matters and urged Akpabio to follow due process instead of framing the matter as a personal or political attack.
Saraki’s remarks underscore growing concerns about how the Senate will handle the allegations, as calls for accountability and transparency continue to mount.
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