Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
On Thursday, the Red Chamber passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, amid the controversy trailing sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership was passed after Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion on the recent controversy surrounding the upper chamber under Orders 40 and 51.
Bamidele emphasized the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules and a renewed focus on governance.
While acknowledging the increased public interest in the controversy, he stated that the Senate was not informed of any sexual harassment claims between August, 2023 and the present.
“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment.
“The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution,” Bamidele said.
“It was never an issue before us that any member of us was sexually harassed, and we hold on to that point. We need to put the events of the last two weeks and concentrate.
“There is work before us, and we have done everything possible, ensuring that the electoral reforms and others have legislative expressions,” he added.