“Natasha: Senate Expresses Confidence in Akpabio’s Leadership”
In light of the ongoing issues surrounding the Nigerian Senate, this initiative seeks to restore public faith in the legislative body, a confidence that has diminished over time. Proposed by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, he called for transparency, strict adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed commitment to governance amid what has recently been perceived as a public relations setback for the upper chamber.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central stated that her suspension from the Senate was tied to allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. She criticized her suspension as unjust and raised the matter before the UN’s IPU on Tuesday. In a response on Wednesday, the Senate informed the IPU that her suspension was unrelated to the harassment allegations but rather due to serious misconduct and disobedience of Senate regulations.
Senator Bamidele addressed the Senate, acknowledging that public interest in the allegations against a senator was high. However, he clarified that since August 2023, there had been no formal reports of harassment cases presented to the Senate. He emphasized that this situation was solely a disciplinary matter concerning the blatant disregard of Senate rules.
Bamidele reiterated, “I need to clarify that the issue referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with allegations of sexual harassment. The Senate President did not oversee any such case, nor was it brought for discussion. What was truly addressed was a clear violation of Senate regulations, and we followed the due process as outlined in the Constitution.”
He robustly defended the Senate’s authority to manage its proceedings, including the suspension of a senator, asserting that such measures were essential to maintain order and uphold the integrity of the legislative institution.
He dismissed accusations of the Senate overstepping its constitutional limits, arguing that suspensions were a necessary alternative to disorder within the chamber. He emphasized that the matter of sexual harassment never arose in their discussions. “We need to move past all that has occurred over the past two weeks and concentrate on our vital tasks ahead, particularly electoral reforms and additional issues on our agenda,” he stated.
In reaction to the international criticism, Bamidele noted that the IPU was operating strictly within its guidelines and that the human rights statements made by the suspended senator were in her personal capacity, not as an official representative of Nigeria.
“It was never brought before us that any senator experienced sexual harassment,” he reiterated. “We must shift our focus back to our legislative duties concerning electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reforms.”
He also acknowledged the role of Civil Society Organizations, highlighting both the progress Nigeria has made and the obstacles it still faces. He urged the public to direct their energies towards legitimate sexual harassment cases rather than unsubstantiated accusations.
“We have heard your concerns, but we prioritize doing our work. Following the decision to maintain silence on this issue, we ask for your understanding that this silence will be intentional moving forward. Please be objective and save your efforts for the true victims of sexual harassment,” he added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio received a vote of confidence following a plenary session that appreciated his handling of the situation thus far. Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who led Thursday’s meeting, emphasized the resumption of regular proceedings now that the budget has been approved and encouraged the Senate to forward the issue to the courts for legal resolution.
