Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to have her forcefully removed from the United Nations premises during the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. According to her, officials from the Nigerian Embassy confronted her shortly after she addressed the gathering on March 11, allegedly acting on directives from Akpabio.
According to Premium Times, the senator’s claims come amid an ongoing investigation by Nigerian intelligence agencies into her attendance at the IPU meeting. The State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are examining how she gained access to the event without official approval and whether external influences played a role in facilitating her participation. Her unexpected presence at the conference has raised questions within political and diplomatic circles regarding the legitimacy of her representation.
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During her speech at the IPU gathering, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that her suspension was politically motivated, designed to silence her for exposing misconduct within the Senate. The IPU President acknowledged her concerns and assured that the organization would review the matter while also giving the Nigerian Senate an opportunity to present its side. This development has drawn international attention, further intensifying the dispute between the senator and her colleagues.
In response to her allegations, Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara refuted her claims and insisted that her suspension was a result of violating Senate Standing Rules rather than political retaliation. A letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was cited to support this position, emphasizing that the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was procedural. This contrasting narrative has fueled further debate over the true reasons behind her suspension.
Despite the controversy, Senate President Akpabio has not publicly addressed the senator’s accusations. Efforts to obtain a response from his spokesperson, as well as the Senate’s official media team, have so far been unsuccessful. The lack of an official reaction has left room for speculation, with many questioning whether the Senate leadership will formally respond to the escalating situation.
Amid these developments, Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed concerns about her safety, alleging that plans are underway to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. She views her suspension and the alleged removal attempt at the UN event as part of a broader scheme to undermine her politically and suppress her voice. As tensions rise, the situation continues to generate national and international interest, with observers closely monitoring the unfolding events.
According to her, “The Senate President sent three staff members from the Nigerian Embassy in New York to physically remove me from the United Nations premises right after my speech. I was only able to remain because parliamentarians from other countries and security personnel intervened.
