Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)has replied to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central in the national assembly, regarding her concerns.
Senator Natasha on Tuesday, presented her sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, at an IPU meeting held at United Nations headquarters in New York.
She said to the union, “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.”
“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit
ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.”
“But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.”
Tulia Ackson, IPU president, acknowledged her concerns and assured that the organisation would conduct a thorough investigation.
She added that IPU would contact the Senate President to hear both sides of the story before taking any necessary steps.
Ackson noted that another Nigerian delegate, Kafilat Ogbara, a member of House of Representatives, had requested to speak but was unable to due to time constraints.
She said, “I would like to say we have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said.”
“But because we listened only on her side, as an institution as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as it is a custom for IPU.”
“After having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary. So I thought it was necessary for us to say a word about it and then be able to take it further.”
