Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has raised alarm over an alleged plot to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. The controversy follows her attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, where she delivered a speech highlighting sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to Premium Times, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that her speech at the United Nations premises triggered immediate backlash. She recounted how three Nigerian Embassy officials, led by the Chargé D’Affaires, attempted to forcibly remove her from the venue. However, intervention by international parliamentarians and event security personnel thwarted the attempt.
The embattled senator clarified that she attended the IPU meeting independently, having secured accreditation through the union’s mailing list from her previous engagements. She also stated that she personally funded her trip and participation without any official nomination from the Nigerian government.
“I registered online as a senator. My suspension does not invalidate my mandate. I attended the same programme last year, so I was already on the mailing list. After securing my pass, I bought my own ticket and covered my expenses,” she explained.
This is not Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s first interaction with the IPU. In March 2024, she was part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the 148th IPU General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside Senate President Akpabio, Cross River South Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.
At that gathering, Akpabio had advocated for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid in the war-ravaged region.
Following her controversial participation in the recent IPU event, Nigeria’s intelligence agencies—including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—have reportedly launched an investigation into how Akpoti-Uduaghan gained access to the meeting.
The probe, allegedly instigated by complaints from the Nigerian Senate, aims to determine whether she obtained unauthorized credentials, received external assistance, or deliberately sought to embarrass the Nigerian government. It will also assess whether her remarks misrepresented Nigeria’s official stance.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been at the center of multiple controversies, including her six-month suspension from the Senate—an action she has described as illegal and an attack on women’s rights in Nigerian politics.
Addressing the IPU, she recounted her ordeal:
> “On March 6, I was suspended as a senator—illegally—because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. I had hoped that by filing the petition, he would recuse himself, allowing for a fair and transparent investigation. Instead, I was silenced and suspended.”
She detailed the harsh conditions of her suspension, which included:
The withdrawal of her security detail
The removal of all staff working with her as a senator
The cessation of her salary
A ban on appearing at the National Assembly
A restriction on identifying herself as a senator, both domestically and internationally
“My suspension is not just about me,” she declared. “Women make up only 2.8% of the Nigerian Senate. Out of 109 senators, only four of us are women. My case reflects the broader struggle for women’s political representation in Nigeria.”
Her testimony drew the attention of IPU President Tulia Ackson, who assured that the organization would take appropriate steps regarding her suspension. However, she emphasized that the Nigerian Senate leadership would be given an opportunity to present its side before any decision is made.
In response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims at the IPU meeting, the Nigerian Senate issued an official rebuttal. The letter, read by Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:
> “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior—not for allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation being spread by certain media organizations regarding her six-month suspension.”
The letter, signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, insisted that her suspension was in accordance with the Senate’s Standing Orders.
Amid the escalating tension, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) has scheduled hearings for both Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. The committee is expected to investigate the sexual harassment allegations and other claims made by the senator.
Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwebonyi confirmed that multiple senators who were present at the time of the alleged incident will also testify.
“All involved parties—including the Senate President—will appear before the committee. Their testimonies will be documented,” Nwebonyi stated.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023. The outcome of the committee’s investigation could have significant political and legal ramifications for both figures.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Will she be arrested upon her return to Nigeria, or will international pressure shield her from potential political retribution? One thing is certain—her battle has put a global spotlight on Nigeria’s political landscape, women’s rights, and the treatment of whistleblowers within the corridors of power.
PIONEER NEWS 