Senate Passes Vote Of Confidence In Godswill Akpabio’s Leadership

Despite the ongoing controversy in the Nigerian Senate, lawmakers on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership.

This followed a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, citing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed focus on governance.

Bamidele raised the motion under Orders 40 and 51, addressing the recent turmoil within the Senate.

One of the major issues at the center of the controversy is the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central following allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

On Tuesday, Natasha Akpoti took her case to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), calling her suspension an injustice.

However, the Senate defended its decision, clarifying in a statement to the IPU that her suspension had nothing to do with the harassment allegation.

Instead, they maintained that Natasha was suspended for misconduct and violation of Senate rules.

During the session, Senator Bamidele acknowledged the public’s interest in the matter but emphasized that at no point since August 2023 had the Senate been formally notified of any sexual harassment complaint.

He insisted that the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was based solely on breaches of Senate regulations.

“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,” Bamidele stated.

He defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, including disciplinary measures like suspension, arguing that such actions were necessary to maintain order and legislative integrity.

According to him, suspension is sometimes the only way to prevent disorder within the chamber.

“It was never an issue before us that any member of us was sexually harassed and we hold on to that point. We need to put the events of the last two weeks and concentrate.

“There is work before us and we have done everything possible, ensuring that the electoral reforms and others have legislative expressions,” he said.

Regarding the international attention the issue has gained, Bamidele noted that the IPU acted within its own framework.

However, he stressed that any statements made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were made in her personal capacity, not as an official representative of 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.

“The 7th schedule of the 1999 Constitution is clear, and we all swore by oath that we will make laws for the good of this country. We swore to that oath and ensured everyone abides by that oath,” he added.

The senator also addressed concerns from civil society organizations, acknowledging that Nigeria is making progress despite ongoing challenges.

He urged the public to be objective in their analysis and to focus their advocacy on genuine cases of sexual harassment rather than politicized disputes.

“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate in our work, so 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,” Bamidele said.

To conclude the session, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, praising how the situation was handled.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, reiterated that with the budget now passed, lawmakers must prioritize their oversight functions.

He also noted that since the matter is now in court, the Senate should allow the legal process to unfold without further interference.

Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action against Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of contempt of court over her six-month suspension from the Senate.