The senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken her grievances against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), seeking justice and international intervention over what she described as an “unlawful suspension.”
Speaking at the IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her.
According to the report by The Cable on Tuesday, the allegation followed a heated altercation over seating arrangements in the Nigerian Senate chamber, which resulted in her suspension on March 6 for six months.
Addressing the assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria. But first, I would like to apologize to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara. I am not here to bring shame to our country, I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.”
According to her, she was suspended shortly after submitting a petition against Akpabio for alleged sexual harassment.
She expressed her disappointment that rather than addressing the allegations, the Senate leadership moved to silence her through a six-month suspension.
She said that among other things, her security was withdrawn from her, and that all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to her as a senator were also taken away from her.
She further stated that her salary had been cut off, and she had been barred from appearing anywhere near the National Assembly or presenting herself as a senator in both local and international engagements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her suspension was not just a personal issue but a reflection of the broader struggle against the exclusion of women in Nigerian political leadership.
To Get More News, Click The Button Below.👇