Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Takes Case to Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU)

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a global body of legislators headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. In a viral video circulated yesterday, the senator was seen addressing the global legislative house, narrating her ordeal in tears. She described her suspension as an attack on democracy and a reflection of the challenges faced by women in Nigeria’s political landscape.  

Contrary to her claims, the Nigerian Senate has reiterated that her suspension was not linked to her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate maintained that its decision was based on an investigation that found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of misconduct, including violations of its Standing Rules.  

Addressing the IPU, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her suspension was a direct consequence of her decision to submit a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. "I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself, and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for a fair and transparent investigation," she said. "But unfortunately, I was silenced and suspended."  

Detailing the impact of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she had been stripped of all official privileges, including security and vehicles. "My salaries have been cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly. And for six months, I am forbidden to introduce or present myself as a senator locally or internationally," she stated. She further emphasized that her suspension represented a broader issue—the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria.  

She lamented the low representation of women in Nigerian politics, noting that with her suspension, the number of female senators had dropped from four to three out of 109 lawmakers. "This is a clear case of political victimization and punishment for speaking out against sexual harassment, corruption, and gender-based violence," she added. "If a female senator can be treated this way, imagine what ordinary women go through daily in workplaces and universities."  

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, a group of women under the aegis of *Women for Good Governance* staged a protest at the National Assembly, condemning Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions. The protesters accused her of attempting to discredit Akpabio and destabilize the Senate. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Nigerian women for good governance ask Senator Natasha to stop embarrassing Nigerian women” and “Nigerians are proud of Akpabio,” they called for stricter sanctions against her.  

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Enakeme Ojineme, Secretary of *United Women for Good Governance*, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims had strong political undertones. "This false allegation of sexual harassment is politically motivated and is being propelled by those who are desperate to unseat the Senate President," Ojineme said. She warned that any attempt to undermine the Senate through "unconventional, unlawful, and demonic means" was tantamount to treason.