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Former Senate president Bukola Saraki has called for transparent investigation over ongoing dispute between Senator Akpabio and his colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Recall that the female lawmaker, representing Kogi Central, had accused the former governor of Akwa Ibom State for alleged sexual advances.
Speaking over the development in a statement via his X page on Saturday, Saraki urged those directly and indirectly involved in the ongoing faceoff to prioritise the protection of the Senate as an institution and not individuals.
He said: “I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution.
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“I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly, whether as a leader, member, or staff, should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.
“For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims.
“They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.
“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. ”
English (US) ·