The Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reaffirming its support for his leadership amid recent controversies.
Disclosing this in a statement signed by the Communications and Strategy team office of the President of the Senate, the resolution, moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele under Orders 40 and 51, called for a renewed focus on legislative duties, urging lawmakers to prioritize governance.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, emphasized the need to shift attention to critical national issues, particularly in light of the recently passed national budget. He stressed that the controversy at the heart of recent tensions is now before the courts and should be left to the legal system.
Senate Leader Bamidele addressed public concerns over the matter, dismissing reports that the issue was related to sexual harassment allegations. He clarified that the disciplinary action taken was strictly a response to a breach of Senate rules.
“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 such case. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution,” Bamidele stated.
Defending the Senate’s authority to regulate its internal affairs, Bamidele insisted that disciplinary measures, including suspensions, are necessary to maintain order and uphold the integrity of the legislative process.
“It was never an issue before us that any member of the Senate was sexually harassed. We need to put the events of the last two weeks behind us and concentrate on the work before us. We have pressing responsibilities, including electoral reforms and legislative actions critical to national development,” he added.
Bamidele also responded to concerns raised by international bodies and civil society organizations, particularly regarding the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He clarified that any statements made by the senator involved in the controversy at the IPU meeting were personal opinions and not official representations of Nigeria.
On civil society concerns, he urged objectivity and cautioned against conflating political disputes with genuine cases of sexual harassment.
“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to be silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional. Please be objective in your analysis and reserve energy for those who are genuine victims of sexual harassment,” Bamidele stated.
With the vote of confidence reaffirming Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate is now redirecting its attention to pressing national issues, including: electoral reforms to strengthen democratic processes, economic recovery policies, tax reforms and ffective oversight of budget implementation.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin reiterated that with the budget passed, lawmakers must focus on governance and allow the legal process to handle any outstanding matters.
The Senate’s resolution signals its commitment to stability and governance, moving past internal controversies to fulfill its legislative mandate in the interest of national progress.
Credit: The Guardian