Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Nigerian Senate, the Red Chamber passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday.
This followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, addressing the recent turmoil in the upper chamber.
Bamidele emphasized the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and a renewed focus on governance.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.
She described her suspension as unjust and reported the issue to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.
In response, the Senate addressed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the IPU on Wednesday, stating that her suspension was unrelated to her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio.
Instead, it was based on allegations of gross misconduct and disobedience to Senate rules.
Read Also: Senate Replies Natasha’s Complaint To IPU
During Senate proceedings, Senator Bamidele acknowledged the public’s heightened interest in the matter due to the allegations made by a fellow senator.
However, he clarified that from August 2023 to the present, the Senate had not been made aware of any sexual harassment claims, stressing that the issue at hand was solely about disciplinary actions for breaches of Senate rules.
According to him, “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 further justified the Senate’s authority to govern its own proceedings, including the decision to suspend a senator, emphasizing that such actions were essential for maintaining order and preserving the integrity of the legislature.
He rejected allegations that the Senate had exceeded its constitutional powers, asserting that suspension was the only viable option to prevent chaos 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.”
Regarding international responses, he clarified that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) operated within its own guidelines, and that any statements made by the Senator during the IPU meeting were made in a 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”.
The Senate leader also spoke to the Civil Society Organizations, acknowledging that while Nigeria is making progress, it still faces considerable challenges. He encouraged the public to be objective in their assessments and to direct their efforts toward addressing real cases of sexual harassment.
“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”.
In conclusion, the Senate expressed its confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praising how the issue was managed.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who chaired Thursday’s plenary session, highlighted that with the budget now passed, the legislature must concentrate on its oversight duties.
He emphasized that the matter is currently in the courts, and therefore, the Senate should allow the legal system to proceed with its process.
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