Senator Natasha takes suspension, harassment case to global parliamentary body

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland, challenging her suspension and alleging harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Describing her six-month suspension as “illegal,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the global parliamentary body that her ordeal highlights the broader challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics.

She claimed that she was suspended for speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio, a situation she believes reflects systemic gender-based discrimination.

Last week, the Senate barred Akpoti-Uduaghan from office, cutting off her allowances and security. On Wednesday, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition against Akpabio, citing procedural issues.

However, her suspension was also linked to a previous dispute over changes to her Senate seating arrangement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member chamber, first made the harassment allegation in a television interview on February 28, stating that Akpabio made unwanted advances toward her in 2023.

Her case before the IPU is expected to draw international attention to the treatment of women in Nigerian politics and governance.