Senate Passes Vote of Confidence in Akpabio Amid Controversy Over Natasha’ Suspension

The Senate passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing claims that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was linked to her sexual harassment allegations.

The Senate maintained that her suspension was due to misconduct, urging focus on governance.

Amid the controversy rocking the Nigerian Senate, the Red Chamber on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

VerseNews reports that this follows a motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, addressing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and renewed focus on governance.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was recently suspended after making sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. She described her suspension as an injustice and reported the matter to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.

However, the Senate, in its response to the IPU, stated that her suspension was due to “gross misconduct and disobedience to Senate rules,” not her allegations against Akpabio.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Bamidele acknowledged the public’s interest in the matter but insisted that at no point between August 2023 and the present was the Senate officially informed of any sexual harassment claims.

“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment. The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution.”

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He defended the Senate’s authority to discipline members, stating that “suspension remains the only alternative to anarchy within the chamber.”

Regarding international reactions, he clarified that the IPU acted within its own rules and that “any statements made by the Senator in question at the IPU meeting were done in a personal capacity, not as a designated delegate representing Nigeria.”

“It was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed. We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities. There is critical work before us, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills.”

He also urged Civil Society Organizations to be objective, stating, “We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to be silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional on our part. Please be objective in your analysis and save energy for those genuine victims of sexual harassment.”

Concluding the session, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, commending how the matter was handled.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary, emphasized that with the budget passed, “the legislature must focus on its oversight functions.” He added that since the matter is now before the courts, “the Senate should allow the legal system to take its course.”

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