Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki is under fire from the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals, a group based in Akwa Ibom State, following his comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The accusations were made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Saraki recently called for an “open, transparent, and honest investigation” into the allegations, urging the Senate to avoid politicizing or downplaying the concerns raised by Nigerians about proper due process.
However, in a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals criticized Saraki, accusing him of overstepping his legislative boundaries.
The group argued that his remarks could be seen as an attempt to unduly influence Senate proceedings and create unnecessary confusion.
They highlighted that the case is currently sub judice, as legal actions have been initiated by both Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, making any separate investigation by the Senate inappropriate.
Citing the Senate’s Standing Orders, which prevent discussions on matters pending before the courts, the group asserted: “The pendency of this case in the judicial system renders any parallel investigation by the Senate improper and beyond its authority at this stage.”
They added that Akpabio, not being part of the judiciary, cannot interfere with an ongoing legal matter.
Additionally, the group raised concerns about the timing and manner of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations, noting that the alleged incident from December 8, 2023, was not reported to law enforcement or the Senate’s Ethics and Public Petitions Committee immediately.
Instead, the allegations were first publicized during a television appearance, which Unoma Akpabio considered defamatory, prompting her to seek legal action.
The group acknowledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan has since filed a formal petition to the Senate, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
This committee will determine if the Senate has jurisdiction over the matter, given its current legal status.
Urging Saraki to allow the legal process to proceed without interference, the group warned that making statements that could influence or disrupt the Senate’s handling of the issue could undermine the integrity of both the legislative and judicial processes.