On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate showed its support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They passed a vote of confidence in his leadership. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion during the plenary session. He emphasized the need for clarity and respect for rules. Additionally, he called for a renewed focus on governance.
Why Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Was Suspended
The Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. This decision came after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. She described the suspension as unfair and reported the issue to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday.
However, the Senate quickly responded to her complaint. They explained that the suspension had nothing to do with the harassment allegation. Instead, they blamed her for gross misconduct and violating Senate rules.
Senate Clarifies the Allegation
During the session, Senator Bamidele addressed public concerns. He acknowledged that the controversy had sparked interest. However, he made it clear that no report of sexual harassment reached the Senate between August 2023 and now. Instead, the issue focused on misconduct and not harassment.
He also clarified that the Senate President did not handle any harassment case. Rather, they followed constitutional procedures to address misconduct. Furthermore, he emphasized that they acted within their legal rights to maintain discipline.
Maintaining Order in the Senate
Bamidele defended the Senate’s right to enforce order. According to him, suspending a senator helps prevent chaos. It also maintains discipline within the chamber. Moreover, he argued that the Constitution allows the Senate to regulate its activities and enforce rules.
He urged lawmakers to move past the recent drama and focus on their duties. These include electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax bills. Besides, he called on Civil Society Organizations to be objective when discussing harassment issues.
International Reactions and Senate’s Standpoint
Bamidele also addressed international reactions to the controversy. He explained that the IPU acted according to its rules. In addition, he noted that Natasha’s statements at the IPU meeting were her personal opinions. They did not represent an official Nigerian position.
Vote of Confidence and Moving Forward
Finally, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who led the session, urged senators to concentrate on the budget and other important duties. Since the matter is already in court, he advised the Senate to respect the legal process.
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