Senator Natasha takes Case Against Senate President to Global Stage

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a global organization representing national parliaments with 181 member countries.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, described her suspension from the Senate as “illegal” and a stark example of the challenges faced by women in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The senator’s troubles began when she submitted a petition of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which she believed would lead to a fair and transparent investigation by the committee on ethics.

Instead, she was suspended for six months under stringent conditions, including the withdrawal of her security detail, removal of officials working closely with her, and a ban on introducing herself as a senator.

Akpoti-Uduaghan lamented the Senate’s response to her call for accountability, stating that her suspension is not just about her, but about the representation of women in the Senate.

Women make up only 2.8% of the Senate, with only four female senators out of 109 members.

The senator’s decision to take her case to the IPU is a significant move, as it highlights the challenges faced by women in Nigeria’s political landscape and seeks international attention and support.

As Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “I am not here to bring shame to my country; I am here to bring help to the women of our country”.