Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has taken her suspension and allegations of harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Describing her suspension as “illegal,” the embattled lawmaker is seeking international intervention in what she believes is a case of political intimidation.
She also highlighted that her ordeal reflects the broader challenges women face in Nigerian politics, where gender biases and political suppression remain significant barriers.
Speaking emotionally before the global parliamentary body, she stated that she was suspended after speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Akpabio.
Last week, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, barring her from office and cutting off her allowances and security.
On Wednesday, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her petition, saying it did not follow proper procedures.
Her suspension was, however, linked to an earlier dispute over changes to her Senate seating arrangement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 109-member chamber, first made the allegation in a television interview on February 28, claiming that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances toward her in 2023.
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