The Nigerian Senate has passed a vote of confidence in its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

9News Nigeria reports that the vote of confidence in Akpabio was passed unanimously during Thursday’s plenary, following a motion moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele representing Ekiti Central and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumi, also representing Osun West.

The Senate has urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the allegations, emphasising that the matter is already before the court.

Citing Order 40 of its standing rules, the Senate stated that it could not interfere in an issue under judicial consideration.

The decision comes 48 hours after the suspended Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, of Kogi Central, addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union in New York, claiming she was suspended for raising allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

9News Nigeria reports that Natasha filed contempt charges against Akpabio and others over her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate.