Senate passes vote of confidence on Akpabio

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Senate has passed a vote of confidence on Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid the ongoing controversy surrounding sexual harassment allegations made by suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The motion, introduced by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Thursday, was aimed at addressing the recent issues facing the upper chamber under Orders 40 and 51.

Bamidele emphasised the importance of clarity, strict adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed focus on governance.

He said, “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.

“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.”

Natasha had tagged her suspension as an injustice, reporting the matter to the United Nation’s Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.

The Senate, however, responded to her complaint to the IPU on Wednesday, telling the international body that Senator Natasha’s suspension has nothing to do with her sexual abuse allegation against Akpbaio, but for gross misconduct and disobediece to Senate rules.