Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of masterminding an attempt to have her forcibly removed from the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that three Nigerian embassy officials attempted to expel her from the UN grounds on Akpabio’s orders after she gave a speech on March 11th in which she described her contentious suspension from the Nigerian Senate and the sexual harassment claims she had made against Akpabio. She attributes her removal to the efforts of international lawmakers and security forces. (Source: Premium Times.)
The incident has ignited a firestorm of political tension. Nigerian intelligence agencies – the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) – are reportedly investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the IPU meeting, scrutinizing both her access and potential external assistance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintains her suspension is a politically motivated silencing tactic, a retaliation for exposing alleged misconduct within the Senate. While IPU President Tulia Ackson promised a review of the matter, acknowledging the Nigerian Senate’s right to present its case, Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, citing a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele which attributes the suspension to violations of Senate rules, not retribution.
Despite the escalating controversy, Akpabio and his representatives remain silent, refusing to comment on the allegations. This lack of response only adds fuel to the fire, with Akpoti-Uduaghan expressing serious concerns for her safety and alleging a potential arrest awaits her upon her return to Nigeria. She asserts the entire ordeal – the suspension and attempted expulsion – is a deliberate campaign to silence and discredit her.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
