President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has criticised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), stating that her actions and attitude may discourage politicians from appointing women to high-ranking positions in Nigeria.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday (11 March), Akpabio expressed concern that the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against him could have long-term consequences for women’s inclusion in governance.
“When this issue began, she initially brought it to the Senate through a petition but did not allow the chamber to deliberate on it before taking it to court. Even then, she did not allow the court to address it before escalating the matter to the international community.”
Akpabio likened the situation to a hypothetical scenario where 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.”
Despite his criticism, Akpabio pleaded with politicians not to allow the actions of one person to affect opportunities for others, particularly his four daughters.
“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.”
Following the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for misconduct and her sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio, the Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his leadership.
The motion was raised by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) under Orders 40 and 51 of the Senate Rules. He emphasised that the matter was already in court and urged Nigerians not to be swayed by external narratives.
Bamidele also dismissed allegations that the Senate ignored the claims of sexual harassment, stating, “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.”
Akpabio Condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Appeal to International Bodies
Akpabio criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take the matter to international platforms, particularly her recent address to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York, where she claimed to have been suspended for raising concerns about sexual harassment.
“I am aware that after she left the chamber, she went to Brekete Radio and Arise Television to distort the facts. She has now externalised the matter, attempting to embarrass Nigeria before the international community by presenting a false narrative at the IPU UN event.”
Akpabio expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Kafilat Okpara, who countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in New York, urging the international community not to misrepresent Nigeria.
Senate Leader: Allegations Are a Diversion, Not Based on Facts
Bamidele emphasised the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules, and a focus on governance despite public interest in the matter.
“Some critics claim that Akpabio presided over his own case. That is false. The matter before the Senate had nothing to do with sexual harassment but was strictly about disciplinary measures for breaching Senate rules.”
He also dismissed arguments that the Senate lacked the authority to suspend a member, stating that the decision was constitutional and procedural.
“Some claim we have no right to suspend a senator. That is a legal matter, and the courts will decide. However, our rules are clear on disciplinary actions.”
The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olalere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West) and adopted unanimously.
Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), urged lawmakers to shift focus to governance and budget implementation now that the matter was before the court.
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