Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the authority of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to summon him over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Akpabio reiterated his stance that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has no jurisdiction to summon him regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This comes after the IPU assured it would hear from Akpabio following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against the Senate.
Akpabio’s Camp Rejects IPU’s Authority over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
In response to the IPU’s position on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, reaffirmed that the Senate President is under no obligation to appear before the international body. Speaking to the media, Eyiboh emphasized that the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan is an internal legislative matter and does not fall under the IPU’s oversight.
“They don’t have the authority to do that. It is an internal affair of the National Assembly. Akpabio can’t be forced to honour an IPU invitation,” Eyiboh stated. He further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of engaging in actions that could tarnish Nigeria’s image internationally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had taken her case to the IPU, alleging that her suspension was politically motivated and linked to accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. The IPU, through its President Tulia Ackson, acknowledged her concerns but maintained that procedural fairness requires hearing from both sides before taking any action.
However, Akpabio’s camp remains firm, insisting that the IPU cannot interfere in Nigeria’s parliamentary decisions. “The IPU cannot meddle in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. It would be embarrassing for them to attempt to do so,” Eyiboh added.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has doubled down on his justification for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, insisting that the decision was based on her misconduct and not on any allegations of harassment. Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, clarified that her suspension resulted from repeated violations of Senate rules, including refusal to adhere to seating arrangements, speaking out of turn, and making unfounded allegations against the Senate leadership.
“The disciplinary action was strictly due to her gross misconduct, defiance of Senate Standing Orders, and disruptive behavior,” Opeyemi stated. Akpabio also criticized what he called “deliberate misinformation” circulating in the media and urged organizations to avoid spreading false narratives.
Related:
Natasha vs. Akpabio Suit: Court Adjourns Case to March 25
“This Injustice Will Not Be Sustained” – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Declares
Senator Natasha Suspension: Senate Suspends Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for 6 Months
