In a recent development that has stirred controversy within Nigeria’s political sphere, former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has publicly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he describes as politicizing and trivializing serious allegations of sexual harassment. The allegations, raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have sparked a heated debate about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of the Nigerian Senate. Saraki’s remarks, issued on March 9, 2025, come as a response to Akpabio’s claims that calls for a transparent investigation are an attempt to oust him due to his Niger Delta origins. This article explores the context of Saraki’s critique, the allegations at hand, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s legislative body as of March 14, 2025.
The Allegations and Akpabio’s Response
The controversy stems from accusations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate sexual advances toward her on multiple occasions. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, these incidents occurred over a two-year period, including at Akpabio’s residence in Akwa Ibom in 2023, his home in Abuja in 2024, and his Senate office in 2024. She further claimed that her refusal to acquiesce to these advances led to retaliatory actions, such as the rejection of her motions in the Senate and the withdrawal of certain privileges.
Akpabio has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated. Speaking at an event commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, he suggested that the accusations surfaced only after changes were made to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s committee leadership and seating arrangements in the Senate. He also argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making unproven allegations against public figures, citing past instances involving other individuals. Akpabio’s defense has been supported by his wife, Ekaette Akpabio, who has filed defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking N350 billion in damages for reputational harm.
In a further escalation, Akpabio claimed during a meeting with youth ethnic group leaders on March 7, 2025, that the push for an investigation into the allegations was a concerted effort by individuals from Kwara and Adamawa States to remove him from office because he hails from the Niger Delta. This statement has drawn sharp criticism from Saraki, who views it as an attempt to shift focus from the allegations by introducing ethnic and regional narratives.
Saraki’s Critique: A Call for Due Process
On March 9, 2025, Saraki issued a press release through his media office, signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, addressing Akpabio’s response. He described Akpabio’s claim as “cheap politics and a trivialization of a serious issue,” arguing that framing the call for a transparent investigation as a regional power play undermines the gravity of the allegations and the integrity of the Senate. Saraki emphasized that his earlier statement on March 1, 2025, did not demand Akpabio’s resignation but rather urged the Senate leadership to conduct an open and fair investigation to safeguard the institution’s credibility.
“Ordinarily, Dr. Saraki would have ignored such claims, but politicizing a matter that threatens the integrity and credibility of the Senate cannot be overlooked,” the statement read. Saraki stressed that his position is not about taking sides—whether supporting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims or defending Akpabio—but about ensuring due process. He argued that allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office are too serious to be dismissed or swept under the rug, as they reflect broader societal issues affecting women across Nigeria.
Saraki urged Akpabio to refrain from exploiting ethnic sentiments or political divisions, warning that such tactics are neither in the Senate President’s interest nor that of the institution he leads. “This is not about political party affiliation or regional identity,” he stated. “It is about upholding the integrity of the Senate. To frame it otherwise is disingenuous and unhelpful.” He called for an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, emphasizing that transparency is essential to maintain public trust and prevent perceptions of a cover-up.
Context: The Senate’s Handling of the Allegations
The allegations first came to public attention when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised them in an interview with Arise Television on February 28, 2025. She subsequently submitted a petition to the Senate on March 6, 2025, following an initial rejection on March 5 due to procedural errors. The petition was accepted during a plenary session presided over by Akpabio himself, who then referred it to the Senate Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. However, the committee dismissed the petition on March 6, citing procedural violations, including the fact that Akpoti-Uduaghan personally signed it rather than having it endorsed by another senator, as required by Senate rules.
This dismissal has fueled further controversy, with critics arguing that the Senate is attempting to protect Akpabio rather than address the allegations substantively. Saraki’s call for a transparent investigation echoes sentiments expressed by other political figures, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who on March 1, 2025, urged President Tinubu to ensure an independent and thorough probe. The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, has also indicated that the federal government is mediating between the parties to broker peace, though this has raised questions about the appropriateness of executive involvement in a legislative matter.
Broader Implications for the Senate and Nigerian Politics
Saraki’s critique highlights a deeper issue within Nigeria’s legislative framework: the need for accountability and the protection of institutional integrity. As a former Senate President who led the 8th Senate from 2015 to 2019, Saraki has experience navigating controversies, including allegations against himself that were resolved through transparent investigations. He referenced his own case, where he stepped aside to allow an impartial probe into claims of importing a vehicle without paying customs duties, as a precedent for Akpabio to follow.
The current situation risks casting the 10th Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, as an institution tolerant of misconduct, including sexual harassment and gender bias. This perception could erode public confidence in the legislature and exacerbate existing distrust in Nigeria’s political system. For women in politics, such as Akpoti-Uduaghan, the handling of these allegations sends a message about the challenges they face in a male-dominated environment and the risks of speaking out against powerful figures.
Moreover, Akpabio’s invocation of regional identity as a defense mechanism reflects a recurring tactic in Nigerian politics, where ethnic and regional divisions are often exploited to deflect criticism. Saraki’s admonition against this approach underscores the need for a more unified and principled political discourse, particularly on issues of gender and ethics.
Public Sentiment and Reactions
Some users support Saraki’s call for transparency, praising his emphasis on due process and the protection of the Senate’s image. Others defend Akpabio, arguing that the allegations are politically motivated and lack substantiation, pointing to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s history of similar claims against other figures. There is also skepticism about the Senate’s ability to conduct an impartial investigation, given the dismissal of the petition and the ongoing defamation lawsuits filed by Akpabio’s wife.
The controversy has also drawn attention from groups such as the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals, who criticized Saraki on March 11, 2025, for allegedly overstepping legislative boundaries and interfering in a matter under judicial review. This backlash illustrates the contentious nature of the issue and the challenges of addressing it within Nigeria’s complex political and legal framework.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Integrity
Dr. Bukola Saraki’s criticism of Godswill Akpabio for politicizing sexual harassment allegations underscores a critical juncture for Nigeria’s Senate. As of March 14, 2025, the situation remains unresolved, with the dismissed petition and ongoing legal proceedings complicating the path to clarity. Saraki’s insistence on an open, transparent, and honest investigation reflects a broader call for accountability, not just for Akpabio but for the institution he leads. By rejecting ethnic and political framing, Saraki seeks to refocus the discourse on the substantive issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of power.
The outcome of this controversy will have lasting implications for the Senate’s credibility, the treatment of women in Nigerian politics, and the public’s trust in governance. As the nation watches, the pressure is on Akpabio and the Senate leadership to demonstrate a commitment to justice and integrity, ensuring that serious allegations are addressed with the seriousness they deserve rather than being reduced to political maneuvering.
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