The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that due process will be followed in addressing concerns surrounding her suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
Ackson’s statement is in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal to the IPU and the United Nations, where she described her suspension as unjust.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the IPU meeting yesterday, the Kogi Central senator recounted her experience, saying that her suspension was politically motivated and intended to silence her.
“I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to honourable members—I am not here to bring shame to my country. I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the suspension resulted from a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
“I believed that submitting the petition would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended,” she lamented.
She further detailed the severity of the sanctions against her, including the withdrawal of security, confiscation of official vehicles, suspension of salary, and a ban from the National Assembly premises.
“For six months, I am prohibited from presenting myself as a senator, both locally and internationally,” she said.
Describing the suspension as a deliberate attempt to suppress women’s participation in leadership, she called on global democratic institutions to intervene.
“This is a blatant case of political victimization and a systematic effort to exclude women from leadership in Nigeria. If a female senator can be treated this way publicly, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women face daily in workplaces and universities,” she added.
In response, Ackson acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and assured that the IPU would carefully assess both sides before reaching a decision.
“We have heard her concerns, and as an institution, we will take the necessary steps. However, it is important that we also listen to the other side before making any decisions, as is our custom at the IPU,” she stated.
She also noted that a Nigerian delegate had attempted to speak on the matter but was unable to do so due to time constraints.
The IPU’s commitment to reviewing the case from all perspectives indicates that further developments are expected as the global parliamentary body continues deliberations.
