By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following recent allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The vote, which took place during a plenary session, comes on the heels of a contentious period in the upper chamber, marked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of sexual harassment and abuse of power against Akpabio.
The Kogi Central senator had earlier accused the Senate President of inappropriate conduct, allegations she reiterated in a petition submitted to the Senate and during an interview with Arise TV, a Pan-African global news channel.
The Senator also claimed that her recent six-month suspension from the Senate was a retaliatory move to silence her by the Senate President.
However, following a motion for a vote of confidence moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West), the upper chamber affirmed their support for Akpabio’s leadership.
Bamidele, in his remarks, urged senators to focus on legislative duties and not be distracted by what he described as “unsubstantiated claims” that are already under judicial review. “The Senate remains resolute in protecting the institution of the upper chamber and its leadership,” he stated, emphasizing Akpabio’s commitment to the Senate’s rules and procedures.
