The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, has assured embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that due process will be followed in addressing her suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
Ackson’s assurance came in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal for international intervention during the Women in Parliament session at the IPU meeting.
The senator, who was suspended for six months, described her ordeal as politically motivated and linked it to her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sexual harassment allegations.
“For six months, I am not allowed to present myself as a senator, either locally or internationally,” she lamented, describing the sanctions as extreme, including the withdrawal of security, seizure of official vehicles, and salary stoppage.
She called on global democratic institutions to intervene, stating that her suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.
In response, Ackson acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, assuring that the IPU would review the matter fairly by considering both sides before taking a position.
“We have heard her concerns, and as an institution, we will be taking the necessary steps. However, it is important that we also listen to the other side before making any decisions, as is our custom at the IPU,” Ackson stated.
The IPU’s commitment to a balanced review suggests that further developments are expected as the global parliamentary body deliberates on the case.