The Nigerian Senate has thrown its weight behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central). In a decisive move on Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership while suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged breaches of Senate rules.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Akpabio criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s handling of the situation, cautioning that such controversies could discourage the appointment of women to key political positions.
“When this issue began, she initially brought it to the Senate through a petition but did not allow deliberation before taking it to court. Even then, she escalated the matter to the international community before the judicial process could run its course,” Akpabio stated.
He likened the situation to a hypothetical scenario in which former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris accused President Joe Biden of sexual assault for simply shaking her hand or guiding her through the White House.
“If such an allegation were made, it would create a precedent where no woman would ever be chosen as vice president again,” he added.
Despite his criticism, Akpabio urged politicians not to let one incident deter them from supporting women’s participation in governance, referencing his own daughters as an example.
“I have four daughters, and I want to plead with politicians to still give them and other women a chance. The sins of one should not be used to punish others,” he said.
The motion to pass a vote of confidence in Akpabio was raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) under Orders 40 and 51 of the Senate Rules. He emphasized that the allegations against Akpabio were never formally presented before the Senate as a case of sexual harassment.
“At no point between August 2023 and now was the Senate formally informed of any sexual harassment claims. The only issue before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions was a petition by Senator Yemi Adaramodu concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged violation of Senate rules,” Bamidele clarified.
The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West) and unanimously adopted.
Akpabio also criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for taking the matter to international platforms, including her address to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she alleged that her suspension was linked to her sexual harassment claims.
“I am aware that after she left the chamber, she went to Brekete Radio and Arise Television to distort the facts. She has now externalized the matter, attempting to embarrass Nigeria before the international community by presenting a false narrative at the IPU UN event,” Akpabio said.
He commended Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara for countering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in New York and urged international bodies not to misrepresent Nigeria’s legislative affairs.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan followed a tense session where she protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Her suspension includes:
A six-month ban from all Senate activities
Locking up of her office for the suspension period
Suspension of her salaries and allowances
Removal of her security personnel
However, following a motion by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), seconded by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the Senate modified the initial recommendations, allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative aides to continue receiving their salaries.
Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) urged lawmakers to move beyond the controversy and concentrate on legislative duties.
“It is time to move forward and focus on our responsibilities, particularly in implementing the 2025 budget signed by President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.
Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to challenge the Senate’s decision, arguing that her suspension was unjust and politically motivated.
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