The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has vowed to address the concerns raised by suspended Nigerian senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding Senate President Godswill Akpabio, assuring that all sides will be heard before any action is taken.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the IPU over her six-month suspension from the Senate, as well as allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session at the United Nations in New York, she condemned her suspension, labelling it as unfair and urging global democratic institutions to intervene.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to impartiality, stating that Akpabio would also be given an opportunity to share his perspective before any conclusions are drawn.
Ackson assured that the IPU would handle the issue with due diligence. She also acknowledged that another Nigerian delegate had sought to speak on the matter but was unable to do so due to time constraints.
She reiterated that the IPU follows a structured process in such cases and will take appropriate steps after reviewing all viewpoints.