The Red Chamber, on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, amid the ongoing controversy within the Nigerian Senate.
The motion, moved by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele under Orders 40 and 51, addressed the recent turmoil within the upper chamber.
Senator Bamidele stressed the importance of clarity, adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed focus on governance.
The controversy stems from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She condemned the suspension as unjust and took the matter to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.
In response to the complaint filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate issued a statement to the IPU on Wednesday, clarifying that her suspension was not related to the sexual harassment allegations.
Instead, it was based on charges of gross misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
During Thursday’s plenary, Senator Bamidele addressed the issue, acknowledging the public’s heightened interest in the matter due to the allegations made by one of their colleagues.
However, he emphasized that at no point since August 2023 had the Senate been made aware of any sexual harassment claims.
He further explained, “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.”
Senator Bamidele defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, including the decision to suspend a senator, as a necessary step to maintain order and protect the integrity of the legislative body.
He dismissed claims that the Senate had overstepped its constitutional bounds, stating that suspension was the only alternative to chaos within the chamber.
He continued, “It was never an issue before us that any member of us was sexually harassed.
We need to focus on the tasks ahead.
There is critical work to be done, including electoral reforms and other legislative priorities.”
Addressing the IPU’s involvement, Bamidele clarified that the organization acted within its own rules, but emphasized that any statements made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were personal opinions, not official representations of Nigeria.
“There was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed,” Bamidele reiterated.
“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 continued.
Senator Bamidele also responded to concerns from Civil Society Organizations, acknowledging that while Nigeria has made progress, significant challenges remain.
He urged the public to remain objective and save their energy for genuinely pressing cases of sexual harassment.
“We have heard your concerns, but we need to concentrate on our work.
If we choose to remain silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional on our part.
Please be objective in your analysis and reserve your energy for genuine victims of sexual harassment,” he said.
To conclude the session, the Senate passed a formal vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his handling of the situation.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary, highlighted that the passing of the national budget now demands the Senate’s attention to its oversight functions.
He also reminded the chamber that the matter is currently before the courts, urging the Senate to allow the legal system to take its course.
