The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), has told the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that it will hear from the Senate and its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio before addressing her case.
Natasha, who was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, by the Senate over alleged misconduct, had reported the alleged injustice meted to the IPU, a global body of national legislators, at the Women in Parliament Session held during the IPU meeting.
She called for intervention of the global legislative body, claiming that her suspension from the Senate was illegal.
Natasha, who was suspended after a rancorous exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, averred that she was being victimised for standing up against injustice and submitting a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.
The suspension provoked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many querying the legality of the sanctions against her.
Addressing the IPU, Natasha said: “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I’d like to apologise to Honourable Kafilat Ogbara. I’m not here to bring shame to our country. I’m here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.
“Five days ago, on the 6th of March, 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair and transparent investigation, but unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended.
“I was suspended for six months amongst many other stringent conditions such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator. My salaries will be cut off. I must not appear anywhere near the National Assembly, and for six months, I’m not to introduce or present myself as a senator locally in Nigeria or internationally.
“That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you women because this is a bigger picture.
“It depicts the crisis of women in political representation. My suspension is not just about me – it’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria.
“This is a clear case of political victimisation, punishment for speaking out against impunity, corruption, and gender-based violence.
“The Senate’s actions are an assault on democracy. I was elected by my constituents to represent them, yet a few powerful men have unilaterally decided to silence their voices by suspending me for six months.
“My call for an open and transparent investigation into harassment allegations has been met with hostility instead of accountability.
“If a female senator can be treated this way in the full view of the world, imagine what ordinary Nigerian women go through every day in workplaces, universities…”
Responding to Natasha’s address, President of IPU, Tulia Ackson said the organisation had heard from her, but cannot act until the IPU hear from the other parties – Akpabio and Nigerian Senate.
Speaking in a video that has now gone viral, Ackson said: “We have heard her concern. Having heard her, it would have been opportunity for all of us to understand what she has said, we only listen to her side.
“But as an institution, IPU, will be taken concern that has been raised. Not only listen to her side but give opportunities to the other side as it is the custom for IPU.
“Once we listen to the other side we will take steps as necessary because she said something out of our agenda.”