The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that due process will be followed in addressing concerns surrounding her suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
Ackson’s assurance came in response to Natasha’s appeal for intervention by the IPU and the United Nations, citing what she termed an unjust suspension.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the IPU meeting on Tuesday, the senator described her ordeal as politically motivated and designed to silence her.
“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable members—I am not here to bring shame to my country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her suspension resulted from a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
“I believed that submitting the petition would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended,” she lamented.
According to her, the sanctions imposed include the withdrawal of security, seizure of official vehicles, stoppage of salary, and a restriction barring her from the National Assembly premises for six months.
“This is a clear case of political victimisation and a systematic effort to exclude women from leadership in Nigeria,” she added.
In response, Ackson acknowledged the gravity of the issue and assured that the IPU would follow due process.
“We have heard her concerns, and as an institution, we will be taking the necessary steps. However, it is important that we also listen to the other side before making any decisions, as is our custom at the IPU,” Ackson stated.
The IPU’s commitment to reviewing the case indicates further developments as the global parliamentary body deliberates on the issue.
