The Nigerian Senate, on Wednesday, responded to the international outcry over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion under Orders 40 and 51, seeking to clarify the ongoing controversy surrounding the matter and reemphasize the need for adherence to legislative rules and a renewed focus on governance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended due to allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, labeled her suspension as an injustice. In response, she reported the incident to the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday. However, the Senate swiftly addressed her complaint on Wednesday, asserting that the suspension was not tied to the sexual harassment allegation but instead due to gross misconduct and violation of Senate rules.
Bamidele acknowledged the heightened public interest in the matter but emphasized that, from August 2023 to the present, no official report of sexual harassment had been made to the Senate. The issue at hand, he said, was related to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s disciplinary breaches, which were investigated by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. He reaffirmed that the matter was dealt with in accordance with the Senate’s internal rules and due process.
“It is important to clarify that the suspension has nothing to do with any sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President. What we dealt with was a serious breach of Senate rules,” Bamidele stated on the Senate floor. He defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, including the suspension of any senator who disregards the chamber’s rules, stating that suspension was a necessary measure to maintain order.
He further elaborated, explaining that the issue was not about sexual harassment, nor had any such claims been presented. Instead, the focus was on the need for the Senate to continue its legislative functions without allowing internal disputes to derail progress. “We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative duties, which include crucial matters such as electoral reforms and economic recovery,” Bamidele added.
Responding to international reactions, particularly from the IPU, Bamidele clarified that the actions taken by the Senate were in line with Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He stressed that any statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU were done in her personal capacity and not as a representative of Nigeria. “The IPU acted within its rules, and any statements made were personal. We continue to support efforts against sexual harassment, but our focus must remain on the legislative agenda,” Bamidele noted.
Senator Bamidele also addressed the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), urging them to be objective in their analysis of the situation. While recognizing the importance of addressing genuine cases of sexual harassment, he called for the public to reserve their energy for these cases and concentrate on the nation’s progress. “We hear you, but we must move past these events to focus on the work at hand. Our commitment to the Nigerian people remains unwavering,” he stated.
The Senate concluded the matter by passing a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his handling of the issue. Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session, emphasized that the Senate must continue with its legislative work. He added that the matter was now before the courts, urging the Senate to allow the legal system to take its course.
