Senators have passed a vote of confidence in the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the entire leadership for how they handled the disciplinary issue involving the Senator representing Kogi-Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the last two weeks.
The Senate maintained that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months was in line with its standing orders, as drawn from the 1999 Constitution.
It insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for violating order 6 (1)(2) of its standing orders and not for the sexual harassment allegation she made against Akpabio.
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It further clarified that sexual harassment allegation was not a matter under investigation at the Senate as of the time Akpoti-Uduaghan was placed on suspension, adding that it was wrong to continue to feed the public with the “distorted narrative” that she was punished for making the allegation against Akpabio.
Following a motion on urgent public importance moved by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Thursday, senators unanimously resolved to put the case involving Akpoti-Uduaghan behind them and remain focused on the task of nation-building.
Senators called on civil society groups and other bodies to be understanding and let the courts decide any pending cases on the matter, while they concentrate on their work as lawmakers.
Thursday’s session was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin.
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