Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Takes Suspension Case to Inter-Parliamentary Union, Alleges Sexual Harassment Against Senate President.

BY EMMANUEL OLONADE

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has escalated her suspension dispute to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), seeking international intervention. The senator addressed delegates at an IPU assembly held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, where she also raised allegations of sexual harassment against Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months, effective March 6, 2025, following the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The report, presented by the committee’s Chairman, Neda Imasuen, led to her suspension. However, the senator has described the action as “illegal,” claiming it was a direct response to her petition against Senator Akpabio.

Speaking emotionally at the IPU assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted her ordeal. “Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she stated.

The senator’s decision to bring her case to the IPU highlights her determination to seek justice on an international platform. Her allegations against the Senate President have added a layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy, drawing attention to issues of governance, accountability, and gender-based harassment within Nigeria’s legislative body.

In response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s address, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the assembly that the organization would investigate the matter thoroughly. Ackson emphasized the IPU’s commitment to fairness, stating that the body would listen to both sides of the issue before taking any necessary steps.

“We take these allegations very seriously and will ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation is conducted,” Ackson said. She also noted that another Nigerian delegate, Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives and chairman house committee on women affairs requested to speak during the assembly but was unable to do so due to time constraints.

The IPU, a global organization of national parliaments, provides a platform for lawmakers to address issues of common concern, including human rights violations and parliamentary misconduct. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal to the body underscores the gravity of her claims and her quest for redress beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The case has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the senator’s claims and the circumstances surrounding her suspension. The IPU’s involvement adds an international dimension to the controversy, raising questions about accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s legislative institutions.