- King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV questions Saraki’s stance, citing his refusal to step down during 2018 robbery allegations.
A prominent traditional ruler in the South-South region, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, has criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki for urging Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step down over unproven sexual harassment allegations.
The monarch, who chairs the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and serves as the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, expressed disappointment in Saraki’s stance, describing it as hypocritical and malicious.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, King Dakolo recalled Saraki’s own experience in 2018 when he was implicated in a high-profile robbery case but refused to resign despite public pressure.
“Nigerians would recall that in June 2018, armed robbers arrested for a series of bank robberies in Offa, Kwara State, named Dr. Bukola Saraki as one of their sponsors. The Nigerian Police Force invited him to answer to these allegations, yet he did not step down,” the monarch stated.
He further noted that the suspects were eventually convicted, but Saraki remained in office until the end of his term. “So, why is the sauce for Saraki now not for Akpabio?” King Dakolo questioned, challenging the former Senate president’s double standards.
The monarch also emphasized the South-South region’s contributions to Nigeria and called for fairness and respect in handling the allegations against Akpabio. “The South-South has given so much to Nigeria over the years. We hope that Nigeria and Nigerians will treat our son with the respect he deserves,” he said.
The criticism comes amid a heated political debate sparked by sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, an ally of Saraki. While Akpabio has denied the allegations, Saraki’s call for his resignation has drawn mixed reactions, with some accusing him of political bias.
King Dakolo’s intervention highlights the broader tensions surrounding the case and underscores the need for consistency and fairness in addressing allegations against public officials.
