Amid the ongoing controversy in the Nigerian Senate, the Red Chamber has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This follows a motion raised by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, addressing the recent disputes surrounding the upper chamber. The motion emphasized the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and a renewed focus on governance.
The controversy arose after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan labeled her suspension as unjust and reported the matter to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.
In response, the Senate clarified on Wednesday that the suspension was not related to the sexual harassment allegations but rather due to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s gross misconduct and disregard for Senate rules. Speaking on the matter, Senator Bamidele acknowledged the public’s heightened interest in the issue due to the allegations made by a fellow senator. However, he emphasized that the Senate had not been informed of any sexual harassment claims from August 2023 to the present. He stated that the matter was purely about disciplinary action for breaches of Senate rules.
Bamidele defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, including the decision to suspend a senator, arguing that such actions were necessary to maintain order and uphold legislative integrity. He refuted claims that the Senate had acted outside its constitutional rights, asserting that suspension was the only alternative to anarchy within the chamber.
Regarding international reactions, Bamidele explained that the IPU had acted within its rules and clarified that any statements made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were done in her personal capacity, not as a representative of Nigeria. He emphasized that no sexual harassment issue had been presented to the Senate and called for the chamber to move beyond recent events and focus on its legislative responsibilities, which include electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills.
Bamidele also addressed Civil Society Organizations, urging them to be objective in their analysis and focus their energy on genuine cases of sexual harassment. He concluded by highlighting that the Senate had passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Akpabio’s leadership and commended how the matter was handled.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, reiterated that the Senate must now focus on its oversight functions following the passage of the budget. He noted that the matter is currently before the courts and that the Senate should allow the legal system to take its course.
