Nigerian authorities have initiated an investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's attendance at the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva.
Concerns have arisen regarding the legitimacy of her participation, given her recent suspension from the Senate and the ongoing legal disputes surrounding her position.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended from the Nigerian Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged gross misconduct and violations of parliamentary rules.
The suspension followed her accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claims which he has denied.
The investigation, led by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), aims to determine how Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan secured accreditation and participated in the IPU meeting despite her suspension.
Officials are examining whether her attendance breached any IPU regulations or Nigerian parliamentary protocols.
The Nigerian Senate has expressed concerns over her unauthorized representation at the international forum. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan's attendance was neither approved by the Senate nor the Inter-Parliamentary Committee, rendering her participation unauthorized.
During the IPU meeting, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her case, alleging political victimization and seeking intervention regarding her suspension.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the union would take necessary steps after considering both sides of the issue.
This investigation underscores the complexities within Nigeria's legislative processes and raises questions about protocol adherence in international parliamentary engagements. The outcome may have significant implications for Nigeria's representation in global parliamentary forums and the internal dynamics of its legislative body.
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