Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticized current Senate President Godswill Akpabio for twisting his words to create an ethnic and political controversy.

Saraki had earlier urged Akpabio to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, Akpabio claimed that some people from Kwara and Adamawa wanted him removed because he is from the Niger Delta.

In response, Saraki clarified that he never called for Akpabio’s resignation. Instead, he wanted the Senate to handle the matter with transparency to protect the institution’s credibility. He emphasized that his call for an investigation was not influenced by politics or ethnicity but by the need for justice.

Saraki warned that ignoring such allegations could damage the Senate’s reputation. He urged Akpabio to focus on addressing the issue properly rather than using ethnic and political sentiments to divert attention.

The controversy started when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment after she was given a new Senate seat. She later filed an official complaint, but instead of a thorough investigation, she was suspended for six months without pay.

Saraki insisted that cases involving sexual harassment and gender discrimination should be handled with honesty and fairness. He reiterated that his only concern was ensuring that the Senate remained a respected institution.

He concluded by saying that he would always speak up to defend the integrity of the legislative body, urging Akpabio to take the right steps for the sake of justice and accountability.

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