Senator Natasha & Akpabio

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that due process will be followed in addressing the concerns surrounding her suspension from the Senate.

Ackson’s assurance came in response to Natasha’s appeal for intervention by the IPU and the United Nations over what she termed as an unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the IPU meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Kogi senator recounted her ordeal, stating that her suspension was politically motivated and aimed at silencing her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her suspension stemmed from a petition she submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment, which she believes would lead to a fair and transparent investigation, but she was rather silenced and got suspended.

She described her sanction as being severe, including withdrawal of security, seizure of official vehicles, stoppage of salary, and a restriction barring her from the National Assembly premises for six months.

Responding to her petition, Ackson acknowledged the gravity of the issue and assured that the IPU would follow due process by hearing both sides before taking a position.

The IPU’s decision to review the case from all perspectives signals that further developments are expected as the global parliamentary body deliberates on the issue.