Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has levelled serious accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming he orchestrated an attempt to forcibly remove her from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting at the United Nations. Following a speech on March 11th where she detailed her controversial suspension from the Nigerian Senate and allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that three Nigerian embassy officials, acting on Akpabio’s orders, tried to eject her from the UN premises. She credits intervention from international parliamentarians and security personnel for preventing her removal. (Source: Premium Times)
The incident has ignited a firestorm of political tension. Nigerian intelligence agencies – the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) – are reportedly investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the IPU meeting, scrutinizing both her access and potential external assistance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains her suspension is a politically motivated silencing tactic, a retaliation for exposing alleged misconduct within the Senate. While IPU President Tulia Ackson promised a review of the matter, acknowledging the Nigerian Senate’s right to present its case, Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, citing a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele which attributes the suspension to violations of Senate rules, not retribution.
Despite the escalating controversy, Akpabio and his representatives remain silent, refusing to comment on the allegations. This lack of response only adds fuel to the fire, with Akpoti-Uduaghan expressing serious concerns for her safety and alleging a potential arrest awaits her upon her return to Nigeria. She asserts the entire ordeal – the suspension and attempted expulsion – is a deliberate campaign to silence and discredit her. Source: Punch News
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