The objective of the investigation is to ascertain whether or not her presence violated the regulations of the IPU or the protocol of the National Assembly.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator who represents Kogi central, is reportedly being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) regarding her attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without having been officially nominated for the position.
An investigation is being conducted with the purpose of determining how she obtained accreditation, who was responsible for facilitating her journey, and whether or not her involvement was planned to humiliate the government of Nigeria.
Members of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is a global organization of national parliaments, are required to propose representatives prior to meetings.
Reports state that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the IPU meeting despite not having the necessary authorization. The Senate’s allegations served as the catalyst for the joint investigation by the DSS and the NIA.
The objective of the investigation is to ascertain whether or not her presence violated the regulations of the IPU or the protocol of the National Assembly.
Natasha accused Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, of sexually harassing her. She ultimately lost her Senate seat due to extremely serious wrongdoing in the aftermath of the scandal.
Natasha claimed on March 11 that the purpose of her suspension was to silence her regarding the sexual harassment complaint. She claimed this during a meeting of the IPU. The IPU responded by stating that it would take action to address her concerns and listen to both sides of the argument.
Following this, the Senate issued a statement through House of Representatives member Kafilat Ogbara, who informed the IPU meeting that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended due to her accusations against the president of the Senate.
The representative of Nigeria in the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, Ogbara, also serves as chairwoman of the house committee on women’s affairs and social development.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan is criticized by FixPolitics. Defending Natasha’s suspension from the Senate, FixPolitics argues that it undermines female equality, the rule of law, and democracy.
According to the statement, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was silenced, and the people of Kogi Central senatorial district were deprived of their constitutional right to representation when the Senate suspended her under the guise of rule infractions.
It reads, “This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation,” Executive Director of the group, Dr Anthony Ubani.
“The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes.
“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.”
The suspension underscores systemic impediments and entrenched misogyny hindering Nigerian women in politics and society, the group said.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50% – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“As a signatory to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and SDG 5, Nigeria has an obligation to foster gender inclusion in governance.
“Actions like these reinforce exclusion rather than progress. Moreover, public officials must always remember that they hold office in trust for the people and have a duty to model behaviour that promotes civility, decorum, and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of gender.
“Their actions should inspire confidence in the nation’s institutions and reflect the highest ethical standards.
“In today’s interconnected world, where events unfold in real-time through the Internet of Things (IoT), the conduct of public officials is scrutinised globally.”