WATCH THE VIDEO HERE NaijaOnPoint Nigeriareports that the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, has committed to investigating a formal complaint lodged by Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her six-month suspension and allegations of sexual harassment by the Nigerian Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her grievances at the Women in Parliament session held at the United Nations in New York, describing her suspension as unlawful and a form of political victimization orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She called on international democratic institutions to intervene, condemning what she termed an attack on her rights and legislative independence. Speaking passionately at the event, the senator urged the IPU to hold Nigeria’s Senate accountable, emphasizing that her suspension was not only punitive but also an attempt to silence her. In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the concerns raised but stressed the need for due process. She noted that while the IPU takes such complaints seriously, it is imperative to hear from all parties involved before taking further action. Ackson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fairness, stating that both sides of the dispute must be considered before any resolution is reached. She said: “There was a matter that arose during the first session which we had this morning. The matter that was raised by our colleague from Nigeria, Senator Natasha, and because all of us heard what she said and it only serves us better if I put a word in what she has said. “So I would like to say we have heard our 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. And after having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary. “I thought it was necessary for us to say a word about it and then be able to take it further. So we have taken care, or we have taken the concerns that she raised, and we will be working on them, of course, having listened to the other side, and we will be able to take steps after that. “I also recognize the fact that our Nigerian delegate, who is here had requested the floor honourable David, but because of time, she wasn’t given a chance to speak. “But like I said, we have heard the concerns that have been raised by Senator Natasha, but at the same time, we have taken cognizance of the fact that you would have wished to address us, but time wasn’t enough to give us to give you a chance to do that. “And that said, IPU will be taking this matter as we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this.” Ackson further noted that due to time limitations, another Nigerian delegate was unable to speak during the session. However, she reassured that the issues raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan would be given full consideration. This development underscores the IPU’s commitment to addressing the senator’s grievances while ensuring that democratic principles and fair procedures are upheld throughout the review process.IPU is set to investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment claims against Akpabio.
Related
IPU To Investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension From Senate, Sexual Harassment Claims Against Akpabio
