IPU President: We Will Carefully Consider Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations
Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), has assured that the organization will carefully examine the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at an IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Ackson acknowledged the concerns presented by Akpoti-Uduaghan and emphasized the organization’s commitment to fairness and due process.
“I would like to say we have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said,” Ackson stated.
“But because we listened only on her side, as an institution as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side, but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as it is a custom for IPU. After having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, brought her case to the IPU after her suspension from the Nigerian Senate on March 6, following an altercation over her seating arrangement with Senate President Akpabio.
“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges, and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.
“But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.”
Ackson also noted that Kafilat Ogbara, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, had attempted to speak on the matter but could not due to time constraints.
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