Saraki Fires Back at Akpabio: ‘I Won’t Stop Speaking for What’s Right’

Former Kwara State Governor Dr. Bukola Saraki has dismissed allegations by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that some individuals, including figures from Kwara and Adamawa States, are plotting to remove him from office. Saraki described Akpabio’s claims as “cheap politics” and an attempt to trivialize a serious issue.

In a statement released by his media office and signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki clarified that he never called for Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, he urged the Senate President to properly address the allegations surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment case, stressing that the matter should not be ignored or politicized.

Akpabio made the claims on Friday night while speaking to youth leaders at the Senate Guest House in Maitama, Abuja. He accused some political figures of trying to use the controversy to remove him from office, arguing that his critics were disregarding Senate rules on ethical conduct and engaging in opposition politics. He also pointed out that the Senate presidency had not been held by someone from his region in 46 years, suggesting that political and ethnic biases were at play.

Saraki responded forcefully, calling on Akpabio to revisit his March 1 statement to understand the real context of his comments. He warned that attempting to divert attention from the allegations by making political accusations would not serve the Senate’s integrity. Saraki maintained that his remarks were misrepresented and insisted that his only concern was ensuring that the allegations were handled transparently.

He emphasized that his position was not about Akpabio’s resignation but rather about preventing the Senate from appearing complicit in covering up issues of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and abuse of office. Saraki accused Akpabio of exploiting ethnic and political sentiments as a distraction and warned that such tactics would neither help Akpabio nor the institution he leads.

“This issue is not one in which Akpabio should exploit ethnic sentiments, political division, or regional proclivity. This will neither benefit him nor the institution over which he presides. He should face the reality on the ground and do what is right,” Saraki stated.

He reiterated that his stance was not driven by political rivalry but by a commitment to upholding the integrity of the Senate. Saraki stressed that matters involving sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and the mistreatment of women must be treated with seriousness, as they impact thousands of women every day.

According to Saraki, any attempt to frame his concerns as an ethnic or political attack was misleading and dishonest. He argued that when such sensitive issues arise in a legislative body, they should be handled with transparency to ensure justice is served and seen to be served.

Saraki also underscored his long-standing commitment to defending the credibility of the legislature and vowed to continue speaking up for the right course of action. “People like me, who have made sacrifices to defend the integrity of the legislature, will not stop speaking up for the right thing to be done,” he declared.

The controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations has sparked significant debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation. Saraki’s remarks highlight growing concerns over how the Senate leadership is handling the situation and the potential implications for the institution’s reputation.