Senator Natasha Akpoti has appealed to global leaders following her suspension from the Nigerian Senate, which she claims is politically motivated after filing a sexual harassment complaint against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During her address at the IPU, she emphasized the exclusion of women in politics and detailed the punitive measures following her suspension. The IPU has acknowledged her concerns, promising a balanced dialogue with the Nigerian delegation. Meanwhile, the Senate denied that her suspension was related to her allegations.
Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti has voiced her concerns regarding what she terms political victimization after her suspension from the Senate, which followed her sexual harassment complaint against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During her speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), she sought global support, emphasizing the systemic exclusion of women from leadership positions in Nigeria.
Senator Akpoti recounted her challenging experience, disclosing that her suspension was enacted on March 6, 2025, in retaliation for her petition against Mr. Akpabio. She expressed disappointment over the failure to initiate a fair investigation, leading to her being penalized instead.
She described the severe repercussions of her suspension, which included loss of security, official vehicles, salary, and a prohibition from approaching the National Assembly for six months. Akpoti condemned these actions as an attempt to marginalize women in Nigerian politics, highlighting the broader challenges faced by women across various sectors.
In response to her allegations, Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU, recognized Akpoti’s plight and affirmed the organization’s commitment to addressing her concerns. Ackson stated the necessity for a balanced examination of the situation, stating that while Akpoti’s testimony would be taken into account, the Nigerian delegation should also have the opportunity to present its viewpoint before proceeding with any actions.
Simultaneously, the Nigerian Senate clarified that Senator Akpoti’s suspension was not a consequence of her accusations against the Senate President. They asserted that her suspension was based on violations of specific provisions in the Senate Standing Orders 2023.
Senator Natasha Akpoti’s suspension, deemed as political victimization, raises significant concerns about women’s representation in Nigerian leadership. Her appeal to the global community highlights the pressing need for solidarity against such injustices. The IPU’s commitment to address these concerns while allowing two-sided perspectives underscores the complexities surrounding her case, as the Nigerian Senate maintains that her suspension was unrelated to her sexual harassment allegations. This situation illustrates the broader issues of gender discrimination and political accountability in Nigeria.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
