Highlight

IPU: Senate dismisses Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of impending arrest

165

As allegations of impending arrest by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continue to generate controversy, the Nigerian Senate has dismissed the claims, saying they have no reason to engage with the Senator on the matter.

Persecondnews recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, alleged on March 16 that Nigerian security officials planned to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.

She claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The senator who is still in the US after the IPU meeting said: “I am aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”

She also alleged that shortly after her speech at the IPU meeting, the Senate President sent three officials led by the Chargé d’affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in New York to forcibly remove her from the United Nations premises during the IPU meeting.

She said: “The Senate President Akpabio sent three staff headed by the Chargè D’Affairs of the Nigerian embassy in New York to evacuate me from the United Nations premises right after my speech.

“I was rescued by parliamentarians from other countries and the security.”

Reacting to the allegations, Senate spokesman, Sen. Adeyemi Adaramodu, in a press statement on Monday, said the senator is looking for her lost content creation needle in a haystack.

He said: “The Senate President and the Nigerian Senate have no reason to join issues with her anymore.

“If she is being haunted by her unguarded vituperations against Nigeria at the IPU in faraway New York, she should spare the Senate, which is not ready to be her accomplice in such a sordid voyage.”

Persecondnews had reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

She alleged that the suspension was politically motivated to silence her for speaking out against misconduct in the legislative chamber and thereafter sought international intervention.

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson pledged to investigate the matter while also giving the Nigerian Senate an opportunity to share its perspective.

However, Nigerian delegate to the IPU meeting, Kafilat Ogbara, countered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims when she addressed journalists at the UN secretariat, a day after the IPU meeting.

Ogbara, who is the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, presented a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a result of violating Senate Standing Rules during plenary sessions, and not due to her allegations against Akpabio.

The disagreement between Akpabio and Natasha began on Thursday, February 20, after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle caused by opposition members defecting to the majority wing without prior information.

She declined to move to her newly assigned seat, sparking a heated debate.

Persecondnews had reported that the Senate, after reviewing the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Affairs regarding Natasha’s conduct, imposed a six-month suspension on her on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

The committee recommended that her salary and security details should be withdrawn during the six-month suspension period.

It was also recommended that she should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during the period.

The suspension, which a majority of senators voted to uphold, was announced by Akpabio himself during a plenary session.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Just In: Lagos assembly requests change of counsel In Obasa’s case against removal

The lawsuit filed by Mudashiru Obasa, the reinstated Speaker of the Lagos...

Impeachment: The 19 offences of Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Gov. Prof. Ngozi Odu – lawmakers

Citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other relevant...

NFF Breaks Ground for Players’ Hostel, Training Pitches

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has started the construction of a 68-room...

Trump Signs Executive Order to Dismantle Voice of America, Sparking Criticism

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, United States President Donald...

Breaking: Finally 2023 Lagos PDP guber candidate, Jandor, returns to APC

The 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Lagos State,...

Osimhen, Onyemaechi Arrive in Kigali Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Bruno Onyemaechi have become the first...

Hojlund Ends Goal Drought as Manchester United Down Leicester 3-0

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund finally ended his 22-hour and 19-minute goal...

Golden Girl of African Para-Badminton and World’s No. 2: Eniola Bolaji Clinches 12th Championship Title

Nigerian para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji has made history, clinching her 12th gold...

Nigeria Shines in Spanish Parabadminton Int’I: Bolaji Wins Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze

The Nigerian contingent to the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International has made the...

Flamingos Soar to U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Final Round

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, have advanced to the final...

Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension: SERAP sues Senate, Akpabio in law court

Following the suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which it deemed ‘patently unlawful,’...

NDLEA Intercepts Large Shipments of Cocaine, Opioids Bound for US, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland

In a major milestone efforts to combat international drug trafficking, the National...

Tragedy Strikes in Ogun as Police Inspector Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

A tragic incident occurred at a ceramics company in Igbesa, Ogun State,...

NOC President Gumel re-elected unopposed as ANOCA Treasurer-General in Algiers

In an apparent demonstration of their confidence in his leadership, the member-countries...

Tony Elumelu Foundation to Unveil 2025 Class of Emerging Entrepreneurs for TEF Programme

…Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs have collectively created 1.5 million jobs and generated $4.2...

Emirship tussle: Kano Govt. clarifies A’Court’s judgment on Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir

“Stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal as a standard...

First Lady Emerges as Grand Patron for 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Championship

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured as the Grand...

Amid simmering tensions, Wike storms Rivers, vows not to interfere with Rivers Assembly’s duties

Barely three days after giving the Rivers State House of Assembly the...

Nigerians Take to X to Vent Frustrations Over Alleged Data Depletion by MTN

A digital uproar erupted on X as MTN subscribers in Nigeria expressed...

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Interfaith Harmony, Promising Unity, Respect for All Religions

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, dismissing claims...