Former Senate President Bukola Saraki hit back at Senate President Godswill Akpabio for telling people he wants a Niger Delta person kicked out of office. Saraki explained through his media chief Yusuph Olaniyonu that his earlier statement asking for better handling of accusations had nothing to do with removing Akpabio. He urged Akpabio to read his March 1st press statement again because it never asked the Senate President to step down anywhere.
Akpabio told youth groups Friday that certain folks from Kwara and Adamawa States want him gone just because he comes from Niger Delta. Saraki thinks this turns a serious matter about Senate credibility into a political game. The statement from Saraki's team made it crystal clear he never asked Akpabio to quit or leave his job temporarily. Instead, he worried about how the situation looked to regular people.
Saraki simply wanted Akpabio to remember that public perception matters when dealing with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. The former Senate leader stressed that this had nothing to do with whether her claims were true. Since she made big accusations publicly, Saraki believes an honest investigation helps protect what people think about the Senate. He pointed out that rules already exist for handling these situations properly.
Saraki firmly believes his advice helps everyone involved regardless of party or hometown. He thinks it makes no sense to bring up ethnic backgrounds or political teams when tackling this problem. Sexual harassment claims remind us what thousands of women deal with every day across the country. The Senate should use this chance to show they take these matters seriously through fair treatment.
The former leader stands firm on his earlier advice about the Kogi State Senator's claims. He believes open and honest investigation makes sure the Senate looks like a place that fights against harassment, unfair treatment of women, and misuse of power. Such clear actions build trust both inside Nigeria and around the world. Saraki says he has always fought to protect lawmaking bodies and will keep speaking up for what he sees as right.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused her new seat assignment from APC Senate leaders before this all happened. She later went on television claiming Akpabio sexually harassed her, which he strongly denied. The Senate then suspended her for six months with no pay for herself or staff after she filed an official complaint about the alleged harassment. They charged her with breaking Senate rules.
Akpabio told youth groups Friday that certain folks from Kwara and Adamawa States want him gone just because he comes from Niger Delta. Saraki thinks this turns a serious matter about Senate credibility into a political game. The statement from Saraki's team made it crystal clear he never asked Akpabio to quit or leave his job temporarily. Instead, he worried about how the situation looked to regular people.
Saraki simply wanted Akpabio to remember that public perception matters when dealing with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. The former Senate leader stressed that this had nothing to do with whether her claims were true. Since she made big accusations publicly, Saraki believes an honest investigation helps protect what people think about the Senate. He pointed out that rules already exist for handling these situations properly.
Saraki firmly believes his advice helps everyone involved regardless of party or hometown. He thinks it makes no sense to bring up ethnic backgrounds or political teams when tackling this problem. Sexual harassment claims remind us what thousands of women deal with every day across the country. The Senate should use this chance to show they take these matters seriously through fair treatment.
The former leader stands firm on his earlier advice about the Kogi State Senator's claims. He believes open and honest investigation makes sure the Senate looks like a place that fights against harassment, unfair treatment of women, and misuse of power. Such clear actions build trust both inside Nigeria and around the world. Saraki says he has always fought to protect lawmaking bodies and will keep speaking up for what he sees as right.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused her new seat assignment from APC Senate leaders before this all happened. She later went on television claiming Akpabio sexually harassed her, which he strongly denied. The Senate then suspended her for six months with no pay for herself or staff after she filed an official complaint about the alleged harassment. They charged her with breaking Senate rules.
