The Nigerian Federal Government has initiated an investigation, involving the Department of State Service (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), into how suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official Nigerian nomination.
The probe seeks to determine:
- How she obtained accreditation.
- Whether external groups orchestrated her presence to “embarrass” the government.
- If she violated IPU or National Assembly protocols.
The IPU requires official nomination for member participation, and only officially designated delegates can speak for their countries.
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Nigerian authorities argue that Akpoti-Uduaghan bypassed these protocols.
At the IPU meeting, she addressed her suspension, alleging political motivation and sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The IPU President pledged to investigate and allow the Nigerian Senate to respond.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a Nigerian delegate, countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, presenting a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stating that the suspension was due to rule violations, not retaliation. Bamidele also questioned her presence at the IPU meeting.
Bamidele emphasized that IPU membership is based on national parliamentary organizations, not individuals, and that only designated delegates can officially attend. He also stated that she spoke for herself, not Nigeria.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, confirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan lacked official authorization.
The investigation will focus on:
- Unauthorised credentials.
- External facilitation.
- Misrepresentation of Nigeria’s position.
- Whether any individuals or organizations helped Natasha gain access without government approval.
- Any breaches of IPU regulations or Nigerian parliamentary protocols.
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