The Nigerian Senate has reaffirmed its support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, passing a vote of confidence in his leadership amid a storm of controversy that has dominated the political landscape in recent weeks. The motion, spearheaded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele under Orders 40 and 51, was aimed at addressing the public debate surrounding the upper chamber and refocusing legislative efforts on governance and national progress.
The controversy erupted after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended following allegations of misconduct. Natasha, who had accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment, condemned her suspension as an act of injustice and took her case to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). However, the Senate quickly dismissed her claims, asserting that her suspension had nothing to do with her allegations but was instead a consequence of gross misconduct and a violation of Senate rules.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Bamidele emphasized that at no point since August 2023 had the chamber received any official complaint regarding sexual harassment. He clarified that the matter before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee was strictly about breaches of legislative rules and that due process was followed.
“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 further defended the Senate’s authority to discipline its members, arguing that suspension is a necessary tool to maintain order and uphold legislative integrity.
“There is a mentality that once someone is suspended, it is undemocratic. But this is a Parliament, and we have rules. Suspension is the only alternative to anarchy within the chamber,” he added.
The Nigerian Senate’s decision to pass a vote of confidence in Akpabio underscores its firm stance against external interference and its commitment to institutional order. The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session, reinforced this position by stating that the matter is now before the courts and should be left to the judiciary to resolve.
Bamidele also addressed concerns raised by civil society organizations and the international community, urging objectivity in analyzing the issue.
“We have heard the concerns raised, but we must concentrate on our work. If we choose to remain silent on this matter moving forward, understand that it is intentional. There are genuine victims of sexual harassment, and energy should be reserved for those cases,” he noted.
The Senate leader reaffirmed that the legislative body remains focused on critical national issues, including electoral reforms, economic recovery policies, and tax reform bills.
“The Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution is clear, and we all swore an oath to make laws for the good of this country. We must abide by that oath,” he stressed.
With the national budget now passed, the Senate has emphasized the need to shift focus toward oversight functions, ensuring that government agencies deliver on their mandates. As the legal process unfolds regarding Senator Natasha’s suspension, the Nigerian political landscape continues to witness heated debates over legislative conduct, accountability, and the balance between governance and individual rights.
Stay informed with the latest news from Nigeria and beyond. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.