The Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence in its president, Godswill Akpabio, despite ongoing sexual harassment allegations leveled against him.
The motion, moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on Thursday, aimed to reaffirm the chamber’s support for Akpabio. It was seconded by Olalere Oyewumi, the Deputy Minority Leader and Senator representing Osun West.
The decision comes just two days after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during an address at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York.
“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,”Akpoti-Uduaghan told the IPU.
However, Bamidele refuted the claim that her March 6 suspension was linked to her allegations against Akpabio. He asserted that the decision was based on a complaint filed by Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu regarding her conduct in the chamber.
Bamidele also emphasised that the sexual harassment case is currently before a court and that the Senate would not interfere in legal proceedings.
Following the debate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for a vote on the motion, which received a resounding “aye” from senators in support of Akpabio.
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