- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reported her suspension which she claimed was politically motivated following a dispute with Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- The IPU president, Tulia Ackson, pledged to review the suspension during a session at the United Nations Headquarters
- The Nigerian senator demanded international support to hold her country's Senate accountable and to advocate for women's safety in politics
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central has reported her suspension from the Nigerian Senate to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The IPU president, Tulia Ackson, announced that it will take steps after reviewing the case and listening to both sides involved during a session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, March 11.
IPU emphasises hearing both sides before taking action
Ackson acknowledged the concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan but emphasised the importance of hearing all perspectives before any actions are taken.
Ackson stated, “We have heard our colleague from Nigeria, Senator Natasha, and it is important that we also listen to the other side as per the customs of the IPU. After considering both sides, we will take appropriate steps.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint stemmed from her suspension on March 6 following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a new Senate seating arrangement, which she claimed was aimed at undermining her.
Tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vows to fight suspension
Speaking at the IPU's Women in Parliament session at the UN Headquarters, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention, urging global bodies to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable for what she described as political victimisation.
She also called on human rights organisations and democratic institutions to advocate for women's political inclusion and safety in Nigeria.
“My appeal to the international community is that the world must not remain silent as democracy and women’s rights are eroded in Nigeria,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. “This is a clear case of political victimisation for speaking out against corruption and gender-based violence.”
She insisted that her suspension was illegal and vowed to continue fighting against what she labelled as an unjust action.
Natasha vows to re-present petition on sexual harassment after serving suspension
Refusing to apologise, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that the situation was an effort by powerful men to silence her. "I will serve the six-month suspension, and on the first day of my return, I will re-present my petition on sexual harassment," she affirmed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed her commitment to collaborating with women’s groups, civil society organisations, and legal teams to challenge her suspension and ensure that similar injustices are not faced by other women in public office.
“This is bigger than me. No other woman in public office should ever be silenced again,” she declared.
Akpabio challenges court’s authority to hear Natasha’s suit
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Senate President Godswill Akpabio contested the Federal High Court's jurisdiction in the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate stood firm on its six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing external pressure to reinstate her.