Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Saraki described Akpabio’s claims as “cheap politics” and an attempt to “trivialise a serious issue.”
Saraki’s response, issued in a statement by his media head, Yusuph Olaniyonu, followed Akpabio’s remarks during a meeting with youth group leaders in Abuja, where he suggested that individuals from Adamawa and Kwara states were eager for his ouster.
While Akpabio did not name names, political observers speculated that he was referring to Saraki and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who are from Kwara and Adamawa states, respectively.
Saraki, in the Sunday statement, emphasised that his call for a transparent investigation into the allegations was not an attempt to unseat Akpabio or undermine the Niger Delta.
He urged Akpabio to reread his March 1 statement, stressing that nowhere did he call for the Senate President’s resignation.
“Ordinarily, Saraki would have ignored the statement as a sign of the times. However, its underlying motive of politicizing and trivialising a serious issue that threatens the integrity of the legislature must not be overlooked,” the statement read.
Saraki argued that handling such allegations with transparency is crucial to preserving the Senate’s credibility.
He warned against exploiting ethnic and political divisions, urging Akpabio to focus on ensuring justice is done.
“When allegations of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office arise, they evoke the painful experiences of countless women. It is disingenuous to frame this as a matter of political or regional rivalry. The right approach is to address the allegations with openness and fairness,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, calling it unlawful and a violation of her constitutional rights.
In an open letter dated March 8, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Akpabio to reverse the decision or face legal action.
“The Senate should immediately reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and revise parliamentary procedures that unduly restrict lawmakers’ human rights,” SERAP stated.
The organisation argued that punishing a senator for speaking out undermines democracy and discourages open discourse in the legislature.
“No one should be suspended for exercising their right to freedom of expression. The suspension has denied the people of Kogi Central effective representation in government,” the letter read.
SERAP gave Akpabio a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the suspension or face legal proceedings.
Amidst growing calls for her reinstatement, Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to publicly disclose whether she will apologise to the Senate.
Her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, declined to comment on the matter when approached on Sunday.
Last week, the embattled senator formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Her suspension, which followed a heated exchange during plenary, has drawn widespread condemnation, with many demanding her immediate recall.
