The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has pledged to investigate the complaint brought before it by Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her suspension from the Senate and allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan raised her concerns during the Women in Parliament session at the United Nations in New York. In an emotional speech, she accused Akpabio of victimizing her and called on global democratic institutions to intervene in what she described as an unjust action.
The senator, who was suspended for six months, argued that her removal from the Senate was unlawful. “My suspension was not only a personal attack but an affront to democracy,” she declared, urging international bodies to ensure justice.
Responding to her complaint, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the matter would be examined thoroughly. She emphasized that the institution would consider both sides before taking any action.
“There was a matter that arose during the first session which we had this morning,” Ackson stated. “The matter was raised by our colleague from Nigeria, Senator Natasha, and because all of us heard what she said, it only serves us better if I put a word in what she has said.”
Ackson stressed that the IPU is committed to fairness. “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. But because we listened only to her side, as an institution, we will also give a chance to listen to the other side, as it is our custom at IPU.”
She reassured that the organization would act in accordance with its principles. “After having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary. We have taken the concerns that she raised seriously, and we will be working on them,” she added.
Ackson also acknowledged that other Nigerian delegates had sought to address the issue but were not given the opportunity due to time constraints. “Our Nigerian delegate had requested the floor, but because of time, she wasn’t given a chance to speak,” she noted.
She reiterated that the IPU remains dedicated to addressing such concerns raised in international meetings. “IPU will be taking this matter as we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this,” she assured.
