The Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This decision was made on March 13, just two days after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, spoke at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. She claimed she was suspended for accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.

The Senate, however, urged Nigerians not to be distracted by these allegations, stating that the matter is already in court. Referring to its standing rules, the Senate explained that it cannot interfere in a case that is under judicial consideration.

During Thursday’s plenary session, the Senate unanimously passed the vote of confidence in Akpabio. The motion was raised by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi (Osun West).

The Senate’s decision indicates strong support for Akpabio despite the ongoing controversy.