The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched an investigation into how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without an official nomination.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Participation
According to insider sources, the probe seeks to uncover how Akpoti-Uduaghan gained accreditation, who facilitated her travel, and whether her attendance was intended to embarrass the Nigerian government. The IPU, a global organization for national parliaments, mandates that participating nations officially nominate their delegates before any event. Despite this requirement, the senator reportedly attended the gathering without formal authorization.
The DSS and NIA initiated the inquiry following complaints from the Senate, investigating whether she obtained unauthorized credentials or received external assistance for her participation. The investigation also aims to determine if her presence at the event violated IPU regulations or the Nigerian National Assembly’s procedural guidelines.
Allegations Against Senate President and Suspension
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. This claim surfaced after a seating dispute between the two in the legislative chamber. Following the controversy, the Senate suspended her for what was termed “gross misconduct.”
During the IPU meeting on March 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that her suspension was a calculated move to suppress her voice following the sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. In response, the IPU acknowledged her concerns and pledged to review the situation fairly.
The Senate, through House of Representatives member Kafilat Ogbara, refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, stating that her suspension was unrelated to the allegations. Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, represented Nigeria at the IPU meeting.
FixPolitics Condemns Senate’s Suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan
FixPolitics, a political advocacy group, has strongly criticized the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law. The group argues that the suspension not only silences the senator but also disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central, denying them their constitutional right to representation.
Dr. Anthony Ubani, the Executive Director of FixPolitics, highlighted past legal precedents, such as Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which established that suspending lawmakers in a way that deprives their constituents of representation is unlawful.
FixPolitics expressed concern over the Senate’s repeated disregard for judicial rulings, emphasizing that the action raises doubts about its commitment to democratic principles and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative system. The organization also pointed out that the suspension of a female lawmaker further highlights systemic gender bias within the political landscape.
Gender Representation and Political Exclusion
The advocacy group warned that the declining number of women in the Senate—dropping from seven in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly—demonstrates the entrenched challenges women face in Nigerian politics. FixPolitics stressed that as a signatory to international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, Nigeria has a responsibility to promote gender inclusion rather than suppress it.
The statement also noted that the actions of elected officials are constantly under global scrutiny, and such controversial decisions could damage Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
Call for Reinstatement and Legislative Accountability
FixPolitics has called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and urged the Senate to uphold transparency and accountability by ensuring that allegations of misconduct are handled impartially and without internal biases.
The organization also appealed to civil society groups, human rights activists, and the Nigerian public to demand a legislative system where all members can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or unjust reprisal. It emphasized that democracy thrives only when institutions remain fair, just, and free from discrimination.
For more insights on Nigeria’s legislative processes and gender inclusion in politics, visit IPU’s official website
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