NewStats: 3,264,761 , 8,184,636 topics. Date: Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 10:17 AM 4t6c4f

Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals

I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their ers in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution. The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.

At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute 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 stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media. From my testimony, it was clear the Senator who made the allegation got his facts wrong and was only being mischievous.

Also, on the day the committee submitted its report for debate on the floor, I stepped down and allowed my deputy to preside. The transparent manner in which the investigation and the debate on the report were handled assured everybody that there was no case. This is a precedent that the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subjecting myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.

We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve. The due process should be followed in this case such that where anybody is found to have committed any wrong, the wrong should be pointed out and corrected. Also, the right remedy should be made.

Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.

For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON
former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin

Akpabio as a person is really a big shame and disgrace. Morally loose and morbidly corrupt. However, nothing new as birds of the same plumage often flocks together.

Kogi constituency where Natasha is representing. I hail una

At least una senator is known for being controversial even though nothing like development based news whenever we read about her.

That one too na achievements.

Natasha, tell us how many Kogi women you have empowered sincerely.. She's not even making any different from the men in politics

Saraki Gambari

Natasha should be giving a long suspension

The last REAL senate president in this country.

Tjra:

What makes him morally loose? It seems you know him personally.

Please share with us your personal experience with him to make you say all these.

Him don fvck your nyansh before?

Lol

Racoon loves talking anyhow

Why is Senator Akpabio the Most hated Senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
Akpabio is also associated with Scandals. Unguided Statement from Akpabio during #endbadgovernment Protest is still a case

Mr Saraki, nobody dictated to you how you ran your senate as same applies to Akpabio who determines how best he runs the 10th Assembly.


-Kiss the truth!

[quote author=fergie001 post=134350662][/quote]

With all due respect, I am highly elated and appreciative of this opinion shared by Dr Olubukola Saraki, who was also once the Senate President too.

Apabio and Natasha should just submit to a , or s, that would investigate the matters of disrespectful, unruly and disruptive behavior levelled against Natasha and also investigate the Senate President (Apabio) on the allegation of Sexual Harassment levelled against him by a Senator.

I need a shovel and a digger to dig out the saga of Dr Nunieh and Akpabio when she landed Akpabio a resounding slap when the Hegoat touched her by her breast in demand for sex......


He was caught with his sidechick by his wife 2yrs ago............Man too Randy and when a randy man hold the post of a Senate president, our collective patrimony is in danger

Akpabio must Resign....

Shove it up ur ass...

See the monikers above ..and below … all APC .. all Yoruba .. Dan sophisticators banza

See as them dey abuse and curse .. the agbero in them typing .. no morals.. some one is speaking to protect the integrity of Nigeria senate .. Yoruba people are here abusing and cursing him ..
For what?

No reason ..

Because he’s not worshiping in their gods temple .. and you say this humans are normal?

Gawd !!
Haba!!

Walahi Tinubu has destroyed Nigeria …

Nigerians una see people they call themselves sophisticated people .. see them .. see as them dey reason..

Walahi I tire for Yoruba people and their kind of bitter and hateful politics ..

Honestly is a low .. one

I spit!


Alhaji Saraki .. carry on with your wisdom .. you understand the importance f that office and it’s significant to the world .. thank you for speaking out and telling the world .. we are not all Yoruba people in Nigeria

If na USA senate or Britain.. this same people go loud on morality.. but it takes them nothing to destroy theirs.. for foolish tribal sentiment and human worship.. human worship be .. say na drug fool..

Power to the people
God bless all reasonable and hardworking Nigerians

Hmmmmm

fergie001:
.

Well said....the institution must be protected at all cost

bukky will soon return back to were he belongs, he is one of the funding of APC

iamnotillicit:
Shove it up ur ass...

Tell him

Interesting speech. Regardless of any vices, the Senate shouldn't be messed up.

Check my siggy, I sell wall shelf.

GOFRONT:
I need a shovel and a digger to dig out the saga of Dr Nunieh and Akpabio when she landed Akpabio a resounding slap when the Hegoat touched her by her breast in demand for sex......


He was caught with his sidechick by his wife 2yrs ago............Man too Randy and when a randy man hold the post of a Senate president, our collective patrimony is in danger

If you don’t go and concentrate on your life, you will end up begging for food

....... this thing don dey gather momentum. no one can be sure how e go end !!!

Bukola Saraki _ wike 2031 ...insha Allah

[quote author=fergie001 post=134350662][/quote]

In the coming weeks Akpabio will be made to resign as Senate President.

[quote author=fergie001 post=134350662][/quote]


Sir integrity left with you and left the door open to all.manners of flies .....

This people don come carry their private matter disturb the whole country. Natasha this, Akpabio that, everywhere you turn. Make dem go settle their sef in court and stop disturbing the Internet abeg. We're tired.

SeverusSnape:
The last REAL senate president in this country.

Some of your public office holders have enriched themselves through public funds and people like you continue to be on their side. So because he never had it going well with Buhari, you already concluded he's a better Senate president. But can you vow with your life that Saraki never corrupt himself with public funds when he held sway as Senate President?

For removing GEJ and bringing APC to power? Explain how he is the real last senate president? What special laws did he make?

SeverusSnape:
The last REAL senate president in this country.

Noted.

Saraki don turn elder stateman....... Seriously Akpabio needs to start respecting himself.... I'm not saying he sexually harassed d woman.... But look at how David Mark, saraki, and Ken nnamani carried themselves... But Akpabio go jst dey yarn anyhow....