By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has reacted to the grievances brought to it by the Nigerian lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This is coming less than 24 hours after Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her case at an IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
She was suspended from the senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following her seating arrangement altercation with Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“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,” Akpoti-Uduagahn said at the IPU.
“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.”
Reacting to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaints, Tulia Ackson, IPU president, acknowledged the concerns raised by the Nigerian legislator and assured that the organisation would investigate the matter thoroughly.
She said the IPU would listen to both sides of the issue before taking any necessary steps.
Ackson recognised that another Nigerian delegate, Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the house of representatives, had requested to speak but was unable to due to time constraints.
“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,” Ackson 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.”
The IPU is a global organisation of national parliaments. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development among nations through diplomacy and dialogue.
It also seeks to strengthen international parliaments and make them more effective.
