The Nigerian Senate has passed a unanimous vote of confidence in its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, despite mounting controversies surrounding allegations against him.
The motion, moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West), was adopted during Thursday’s plenary, solidifying the chamber’s support for Akpabio’s leadership.
This decision comes just 48 hours after suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she alleged that her six-month suspension from the Senate was linked to accusations of sexual harassment she made against Akpabio.
Senator Natasha has since taken legal action, filing contempt charges against Akpabio and other Senate leaders over her suspension without pay.
However, the Senate has dismissed the allegations as a distraction, emphasizing that the matter is before the court and, citing Order 40 of its standing rules, insisting that it cannot interfere in ongoing judicial proceedings.
Meanwhile, political observers say the vote of confidence is a strong signal of unity within the Senate leadership, even as the controversy continues to generate public debate.
Whether this move will quell the growing concerns or further fuel the legal and political storm remains to be seen.