The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has promised that necessary actions will be taken regarding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a review of both sides of the issue.
Ackson made this assurance in a video obtained by Newsmen on Wednesday, in response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent appeal to the IPU and the United Nations (UN), calling for intervention in what she describes as an unjust suspension.
During the Women in Parliament session at the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha passionately appealed for justice, urging global democratic institutions to address what she called political victimization against women in leadership roles.
The senator shared her experience, highlighting the grave consequences she has faced since submitting a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“Five days ago, on March 6, 2025, I was illegally suspended from my position as a senator after submitting a petition alleging sexual harassment against the Senate President,” Natasha recounted, visibly emotional. “Instead of receiving a fair and transparent investigation, I was silenced, suspended, and subjected to severe punitive measures. My security was withdrawn, my vehicles and entitlements were seized, my salary was cut, and I was barred from the National Assembly for six months. This isn’t just personal; it is a broader attack on the voice of the people I represent and the women of Nigeria.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan further emphasized the broader implications of her suspension, condemning it as part of a systematic effort to marginalize women from political leadership in Nigeria. “If a senator can be treated this way in full public view, what does it say about the treatment of ordinary women in Nigeria’s workplaces, universities, and beyond?” she questioned.
In response to Natasha’s impassioned plea, IPU President Tulia Ackson expressed concern over the matter but reiterated the importance of impartiality. She acknowledged that the IPU had heard only one side of the issue and that it was crucial to consider both perspectives before taking any action.
“We have heard Senator Natasha’s concerns and understand the gravity of the situation she has raised,” Ackson said. “However, as is customary for the IPU, we must also hear the other side of the story. After hearing from both parties, we will take appropriate steps based on the full picture of the situation.”
The IPU President reassured the assembly that a thorough review process would be carried out, emphasizing that all perspectives would be carefully weighed before any decision is made.
Ackson also acknowledged that a Nigerian delegate had sought to speak during the session, but due to time constraints, had been unable to do so.
She reiterated that the concerns raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan would be seriously considered as part of the review process.
The IPU’s commitment to hearing both sides of the matter signals that further developments are expected as the global parliamentary body continues to assess the situation.
