The Nigerian National Assembly has taken up the petition lodged by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York.
The Kogi Central senatorial district lawmaker had on Tuesday March 11, presented her case before the global institution, seeking its intervention over what she described as an injustice against her and the women of Nigeria.
After listening to her complaint, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assured Senator Natasha that it would take the necessary steps to address her concerns after hearing from the other side.
Presenting its case before the international body, the Nigerian Senate, through its leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, sent a letter to the IPU, refuting Natasha’s claims.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who attended the event in an official capacity, representing Nigeria.
The letter read in part, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, not as a result of allegations of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Despite the Senate’s response, Honorable Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She insisted that all procedures and necessary actions under Senate rules were observed before Natasha’s suspension.
Last week, the Senate suspended Natasha in a move that has continued to spark debate across the country.
The embattled senator had earlier submitted a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but lawmakers dismissed it before proceeding with her suspension, even after she submitted another petition.
Senator Natasha has vowed to continue her fight against what she termed “injustice.” On his part, Akpabio has denied the allegations, maintaining that he has never assaulted women.
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