The Senate, on Thursday, overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
During the session, lawmakers urged Nigerians not to let the allegations distract from the legislative duties of the National Assembly.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District. In his argument, Bamidele emphasized that the matter should be left to the courts, citing Senate Rule 40, which bars discussions on issues already before a court of law.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. and had also taken her suspension from the Senate to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a move that has sparked debate. Critics have questioned the motives behind her suspension, suggesting political undertones.
The motion received support from Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi of Osun West, and when put to a vote, the majority of senators reaffirmed their confidence in Akpabio’s leadership.
Further developments are expected.
