Senator Natasha Suspended Over Gross Misconduct – Senate Tells IPU
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in New York has sparked a flurry of reactions. The Kogi lawmaker had taken her case to the global institution, alleging injustice and seeking intervention.
The IPU has promised to take necessary steps to address Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaints after hearing from all parties involved.
In response, the Nigerian Senate has sent a letter to the IPU, denying that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was related to her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Instead, the Senate claims she was suspended for “gross misconduct and unruly behavior”.
The letter, read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a result of her “persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
However, Ogbara also called for a thorough investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has generated heated debates across Nigeria, with many questioning the Senate’s handling of the situation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, but it was dismissed. She has since vowed to continue fighting against what she perceives as injustice
