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| Tulia Ackson, IPU president (l) here acknowledges Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns and promises to thoroughly investigate the matter |
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has pledged to investigate the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in Nigeria’s National Assembly, after she presented her case at an IPU meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York on March 11, 2025.
The IPU, a global organization of national parliaments dedicated to promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development through parliamentary diplomacy, aims to ensure a fair process by hearing all sides of the issue.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for what was termed “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senator claims she was illegally suspended for submitting a petition of sexual harassment against Akpabio. She stated that after submitting the petition, she anticipated Akpabio would recuse himself, and both would submit to the ethics committee for a transparent investigation.
Instead, she alleges she was silenced with a six-month suspension and had her security and official vehicles withdrawn.
Natasha said: “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.”
Tulia Ackson, IPU president, acknowledged the concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan 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 Nigerian Senate, however, maintains that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to violations of Senate Standing Orders and unparliamentary behavior, not the sexual harassment allegations.
Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed any pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that the Senate will adhere to its rules.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, suggested that “Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds”.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, seeking ₦100 billion in damages. A court in Abuja has adjourned the suit until March 25, 2025, to allow for harmonization of all processes.
The senator is seeking an order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her, arguing that her suspension undermines the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.
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