The Nigerian Senate has defended its determination to droop Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier than the Inter-Parliamentary Union, pointing out that her suspense was once no longer indistinguishable to allegations of sexual harassment however because of rude misconduct.
Talking earlier than the IPU on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the Area Committee on Ladies Affairs and Social Building, Kafilat Ogbara, disregarded claims made by means of Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Countries tournament that she was once suspended for elevating allegations of sexual harassment towards Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ogbara mentioned she has been mandated by means of the Nationwide Meeting to offer a reaction to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pronunciation delivered on the 69th consultation of the United Countries Fee at the condition of ladies.
“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she mentioned.
She mentioned, “Such allegations call for an intensive, independent and clear investigation. On the identical life, we should safeguard that equity is preserved for all folks concerned and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.
“Nigeria residue firmly dedicated to upholding ladies’s rights and fighting gender-based violence via robust prison frameworks and establishments. Our Parliament and Judiciary proceed to go through reforms to fortify those efforts.
“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space.”
Addressing the allegations towards Akpabio, Ogbara mentioned, “It’s notable to recognise that each the allegations made and the responses supplied are severe issues that require cautious and independent scrutiny. This factor, which residue subjudice, comes to a couple of components, together with allegations of sexual harassment and possible violations of Senate regulations. Week it is crucial to have interaction in introspection and perceive any possible connections, those issues should even be thought to be one at a time.
“It’s crucial that we maintain the rules of equity and safeguard that refuse particular person is in advance judged with no clear and independent procedure. Subsequently, I name for please see movements: A radical and independent investigation, making sure that each one claims and defences are tested rather and transparently.
“Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”
She after learn the location paper of the Senate by means of the Senate Chief, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The Senate letter learn partly, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was once suspended for rude misconduct and unruly behaviour and no longer on account of allegation of sexual harassment or attack.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the planned incorrect information and fraudelant narrative being circulated by means of positive media organisations in regards to the six-month suspense of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
In keeping with the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was once discovered to blame of violating Categories 6.1 and six.2 of the Senate regulations, which ended in her suspense.
“If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” Bamidele mentioned.
The commentary additional defined, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”
The Senate accused her of “refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas from the leadership and other ranking senators,” attractive in “unruly and disruptive behaviour,” and making “abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.”
She was once additionally accused of “defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”
The Senate maintained that her suspense was once important to revive form and maintain the integrity of the legislative frame.
“Disagree senator, without reference to condition, gender, or political association, is above the foundations of the Senate.
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the commentary added.
The Senate referred to as on media organisations to “correct the misrepresentations” and chorus from spreading “falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio on Tuesday by means of presenting her case at a United Countries discussion board.
The senator representing Kogi Central referred to as for global intervention to store the Nigerian Senate responsible.