Saraki seeks open probe of Akpabio, Natasha scandal�

By Adeola Atanda

 

Bukola Saraki, a former senator, has urged both the sitting President of Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that the former (Akpabio) sexually harassed her, to submit themselves to an open and transparent probe.

Using himself as an example, Saraki said he allowed a transparent probe into the allegation he evaded import duties, despite being a senate president, like Akpabio, in the previous dispensation.

“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,” Saraki said in his statement.

Saraki’s probe for duty evasion at the time was one of the fallouts of his disagreement with his former party — the ruling APC.

Against the party’s wish, Saraki emerged president of the Senate and became antagonistic to the government. He would later quit the APC to rejoin the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

According to Saraki, the feuding parties should avoid tainting the Senate with the ongoing scandal.

“We should not to 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,” he said.

In addition, Saraki clarified that he is neither saying “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,” he added.

“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.”

Cornet had reported that Senator Natasha had raised sexual harassment allegation against Senator Akpabio.