The IPU will hear from Nigerian Senate President Akpabio before acting on the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has announced it will give Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio the opportunity to respond to allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before taking any action on the matter.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, made the allegation during a presentation at the IPU meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

She claimed she was suspended for six months from the Nigerian Senate as a result of the sexual harassment allegations she made against Akpabio.

In her appeal to the IPU, the Kogi Central Senator requested the international body to intervene in her suspension. Responding to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns, IPU President Tulia Ackson assured that the body had taken note of the issues raised.

However, Ackson clarified that IPU would not act until it had heard from both parties involved. “All of us heard what she said and it only serves us better if I put a word in what she has said,” Ackson remarked.

“As an institution, as IPU, we would be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side but also giving a chance to the other side as it is a custom for IPU.”

The IPU President explained that once both sides have been heard, the union will take appropriate steps in accordance with its established procedures for addressing such matters.

“We have heard the concerns that have been raised by Senator Natasha but at the same time, we have taken cognisance of the fact that you would have wished to address us but time wasn’t enough,” Ackson added.

The IPU’s commitment to hearing both sides is in line with its standard protocol, ensuring a fair and balanced approach to the allegations. After hearing from both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, the IPU will proceed to take steps based on its findings.

This development marks the latest chapter in a legal and political dispute that has stirred significant attention both within Nigeria and internationally.