Saraki, in a statement on Saturday, expressed deep concerns over the dispute, noting that it could erode the sanctity of the upper legislative chamber if not handled with transparency and fairness. 

Former Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has warned that the ongoing controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is capable of damaging the integrity and public perception of the Senate.

Saraki, in a statement on Saturday, expressed deep concerns over the dispute, noting that it could erode the sanctity of the upper legislative chamber if not handled with transparency and fairness. 

He emphasised that the Senate, as the leading arm of government, must be protected from any action that may portray it as endorsing lawlessness or bias. 

He advised both parties, along with their supporters inside and outside the Senate, to be mindful of the consequences of their words and actions, urging them to prioritise the institution’s reputation over personal interests. 

He called for strict adherence to the Constitution, parliamentary rules, and ethical standards in resolving the matter.

“I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

"It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution,” Saraki stated.

He insisted that a transparent and impartial investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions was necessary to establish the facts and restore public confidence. 

He urged both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to fully cooperate with the committee. 

“This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle. 

"Since I knew the claim was false, the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee, and I appeared before the committee to testify, in the full glare of the media,” he recalled.

Saraki recounted how his own case was handled transparently, leading to a fair resolution. He urged the current Senate leadership to follow the same precedent to ensure due process and fairness.

He warned against allowing the Senate to be perceived as an institution that tolerates misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, and disorderliness. 

According to him, a thorough and unbiased investigation would correct any wrongdoing and ensure appropriate remedies. 

“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating 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 maintained.

Saraki concluded by stressing that the Senate must remain a respected and credible institution, urging all lovers of democracy to work towards strengthening it rather than allowing internal conflicts to undermine its authority.