I Heard of My Vote of Confidence on Radio – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has revealed that he first learned about a vote of confidence passed on him through a radio broadcast. Speaking during Thursday’s plenary at the National Assembly, Akpabio expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the 10th Senate for their show of support and patriotism. He returned to the chamber midway through the session, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau.

Addressing the development, Akpabio said the Nigerian Senate remains united, adding that all resolutions are passed with collective agreement. “Senators in the Nigerian Senate are one. Any resolution passed is always unanimous,” he said.

The Senate President also took aim at suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of misrepresenting facts surrounding her suspension. He claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan made media appearances where she allegedly distorted the truth. “I understand that on the day Natasha was suspended, she went to Berekete Family Radio and then to Arise, and she never told them the truth but instead spread lies against the Senate. She did not tell them what she was suspended for and even went to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to embarrass the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he stated.

The Senate had earlier passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio amidst sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by the suspended Kogi Central Senator. Her suspension came following a motion by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to present her petition formally to the Senate and instead went public with her claims via television.

Bamidele, while defending the Senate’s handling of the matter, cited Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its own procedures. He maintained that the Senate would continue to operate within the bounds of its internal rules and constitutional authority.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s proceedings were marked by a lengthy closed-door session, after which the chamber resumed open debate. Sources suggest the meeting may be linked to a new legal development, as the Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly issued a ‘Form B’ to the Senate over a contempt-related issue.