Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has dismissed claims by incumbent Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of a plot to remove him from office.
Saraki described Akpabio’s assertions as “cheap politics” and an attempt to trivialize a serious issue brought before the leadership of the Senate.
In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Saraki clarified that his earlier comments were not a call for Akpabio’s resignation but a plea for transparency and fairness in addressing the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
“Dr. Saraki never suggested that the Senate President should resign or step aside. Rather, he advised that Akpabio should act in the best interest of the legislative institution by ensuring that no reasonable person is left in doubt about the fairness and thoroughness of the investigation,” the statement read.
The controversy stems from allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office leveled against Akpabio by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Saraki stressed that such serious accusations must be handled with openness and impartiality to protect the credibility of the Senate.
“Dr. Saraki’s intervention was neither about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan nor the validity of her claims. It was about safeguarding the image of the Senate as an institution that upholds justice, fairness, and accountability,” the statement added.
Saraki also refuted Akpabio’s insinuation that the call for due process was motivated by ethnic or political considerations. He stressed that his suggestions were based on established constitutional processes, Senate rules, and precedents, which should be followed regardless of the Senate President’s background or affiliation
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