The senate on Thursday endorsed the leadership of the senate president, Mr Godswill Akpabio amid the sexual harassment allegation charge pressed against him by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the senate leader, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and reported the matter, along with her suspension from the senate, to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Speaking at the forum on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as “an injustice.”
However, the senate on Wednesday responded to her complaint to saying her suspension was not connected in any way sexual abuse allegation against the senate president, but for gross misconduct and disobedient to Senate rules.
Bamidele, while presenting the motion during the plenary, stated that the allegations should be left for the courts to decide.
He said at no point between August 2023 and the present was the senate informed of any sexual harassment claims, adding that the issue at hand was purely about disciplinary measures related to breaches 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 case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules and we followed due process as guided by the constitution,” he said.
He further defended the senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, including the decision to suspend a senator, stating that such actions were necessary to maintain order and uphold legislative integrity.
He refuted claims that the senate acted beyond its constitutional rights, noting that suspension remains the only alternative to anarchy within the chamber.
“It was never an issue before us that any member of us was sexually harassed and we hold on to that point. We need to put the events of the last two weeks and concentrate. There is work before us and we have done everything possible, ensuring that the electoral reforms and others have legislative expressions.”
Regarding international reactions, he clarified that the IPU acted within its own rules, and that any statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at the IPU meeting were done in a personal capacity, not as a designated delegate representing Nigeria.
“It was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed. We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities. There is critical work before us, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills.
“The 7th schedule of the 1999 Constitution is clear, and we all swore by oath that we will make laws for the good of this country. We swore to that oath and ensured everyone abides by that oath”.
Bamidele also addressed the civil society organisations, noting that Nigeria is making progress but still faces significant challenges.
He urged the public to be objective in their analysis and to reserve their energy for genuine cases of sexual harassment.
“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate in our work, so if we choose to be silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional on our part. Please be objective in your analysis and save energy for those genuine victims of sexual harassment,” he added.
Also speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, the chairperson of the house committee on women affairs and social development, Kafilat Ogbara, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Ogbara said she has been mandated by the National Assembly to present a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech delivered at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the status of women.
“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference.
“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutions. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.
“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space,” Ogbara said.
She added: “It is important to recognise that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately.
“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for the following actions: A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that all claims and defences are examined fairly and transparently.
“Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”
Thereafter, Ogbara read the position paper of the senate by the senate leader.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the senate standing orders.
“If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges,” Bamidele said in the letter.
