The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that her suspension from the Senate will be reviewed fairly, with both sides given a chance to present their cases.
This comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, appealed to the IPU and the United Nations, claiming that her suspension was unjust and politically motivated.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the IPU meeting on Tuesday, she described her removal as an attempt to silence her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that her suspension followed a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
She expressed disappointment that instead of addressing her claims, she was penalized.
“My petition was meant to bring about a fair and transparent investigation, but instead, I was silenced and suspended,” she stated.
She also detailed the consequences of her suspension, which include:
Withdrawal of her security personnel
Seizure of her official vehicles
Stoppage of her salary
A six-month ban from entering the National Assembly
The senator framed her suspension as part of a broader effort to suppress women in leadership roles in Nigeria, urging global democratic institutions to intervene.
“If this can happen to a female senator in public view, imagine the challenges ordinary Nigerian women face in workplaces and universities,” she said.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the case would be handled fairly.
“We have listened to her concerns, and as an institution, we will follow due process. However, it is important to also hear the other side before making any decision,” Ackson stated.
She also noted that a Nigerian delegate had wanted to comment on the issue but was unable to do so due to time constraints.
With the IPU committing to a thorough review, further developments are expected as the case unfolds.
