The IPU will investigate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim for the suspension of the Senate and sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Nigeria News NalinIt is reported that the Congress Alliance has pledged to investigate a formal complaint filed by Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which is about her six-month moratorium and allegations of sexual harassment in the Nigerian Senate.
Akpoti-uduaghan raised his dissatisfaction with women at a parliamentary meeting in New York, describing her moratorium as illegal and a form of political victimization orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She called on international democratic institutions to intervene and condemn her attacks on her rights and legislative independence.
The senator enthusiastically said at the event that the IPU held the Nigerian Senate accountable, stressing that her suspension was not only punitive, but also an attempt to silence her.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the concerns arising, but stressed the need for due process. She noted that while the IPU took such complaints seriously, it was necessary to hear the voices of all parties involved before further action was taken.
Axon reiterated the organization’s commitment to fairness and pointed out that both parties who had to consider the dispute before any resolution was reached.
She said: “We had a problem at the first session this morning. We came from Senator Natasha, Nigeria, because we all heard what she said and it will only help us when I say what she said.
“So, I would like to say that we have heard her concerns and heard her opinions, it will be an opportunity to let all of us learn more about what she said, but because we only listen to her side, as an IPU organization, we will raise concerns, not just to make her side, but also to listen to her side, because it is a custom iPu. After listening to the other side, we will take steps as needed.
“I think it’s necessary for us to say a word about it and then be able to take further. So we’ve been taking care of her, or we’ve been following the concerns she raised and of course we’re going to try to listen to the other end and then we’re able to take action.
“I also recognize that our Nigerian representative is here to ask David for respect on the floor, but because of the time, she has no chance to speak.
“But like I said, we’ve heard the concerns raised by Senator Natasha, but at the same time, we’ve recognized the fact that you could have spoken to us, but there wasn’t enough time to give us the opportunity to do so.
“That is, when such concerns are raised in such meetings, IPUs will do the same as we usually do.”
Akson further pointed out that due to time constraints, another Nigerian representative was unable to speak during the meeting. However, she assured that the questions raised by Akpoti-uduaghan will be fully considered.
This development underscores the IPU’s commitment to addressing Senator’s dissatisfaction while ensuring democratic principles and fair processes are maintained throughout the review process.
