Amidst the ongoing controversy in the National Assembly, the Senate has reaffirmed confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, even as the drama over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continue to stir public discourse.
During Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion emphasizing adherence to legislative rules and clarity amid the storm surrounding the upper chamber. The motion sought to reaffirm the Senate’s commitment to due process, governance, and institutional integrity.
The vote of confidence in Akpabio came on the heels of growing external pressure, especially from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which received a complaint from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator, who was suspended over alleged misconduct, has maintained that her suspension is an act of injustice linked to her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
In response, the Senate firmly rejected any claims that her suspension was related to the allegations, instead attributing it to her violation of Senate rules. Senator Bamidele clarified that the chamber was never formally presented with any sexual harassment claims and that disciplinary measures were solely based on misconduct.
He further defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its affairs, stating that suspending members when necessary is a constitutional mechanism to maintain order and prevent legislative anarchy. According to Bamidele, the controversy must not distract lawmakers from their core responsibilities, including electoral reforms and economic policies crucial to national development.
Despite passing a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the crisis within the Red Chamber is far from settled, particularly on the sexual harassment petition alleged against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her 6 months suspension.
Related: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension: Akpabio Ignores IPU, Says It has no Grounds to Summon Him
