The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following recent controversies surrounding the Red Chamber.
The motion was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele under Orders 40 and 51, emphasizing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and a renewed focus on governance.
The controversy stems from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, over allegations of gross misconduct and violations of Senate rules. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, described her suspension as an injustice and reported the matter to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.
However, the Senate, in a response to the IPU on Wednesday, clarified that her suspension was unrelated to the sexual harassment claims but was based on disciplinary infractions.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Bamidele acknowledged heightened public interest in the case due to the allegations but insisted that the Senate had not, at any point since August 2023, been formally notified of any sexual harassment complaints. He stated that the matter before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee was strictly about breaches of legislative rules.
“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,” he said.
Bamidele defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its internal affairs, including disciplinary actions such as suspensions, arguing that such measures were necessary to maintain order and legislative integrity. He dismissed claims that the Senate acted beyond its constitutional rights, stating that suspension remains a critical tool to prevent disorder within the chamber.
Regarding international reactions, Bamidele clarified that the IPU acted within its own rules and that any statements made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were in a personal capacity, not as an official delegate representing Nigeria.
“We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills,” he added.
Addressing concerns raised by Civil Society Organizations, Bamidele acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing challenges while urging the public to be objective in their assessments.
“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to remain silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional. Please be objective in your analysis and save energy for genuine cases of sexual harassment,” he stated.
Following deliberations, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, commending the handling of the situation.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over Thursday’s plenary session, emphasized the need for lawmakers to focus on their oversight functions, particularly in light of the recently passed budget.
He further noted that the matter is now before the courts, urging the Senate to allow the legal process to take its course.
