Federal Govt investigating Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unauthorised attendance at IPU meeting
The Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination.
Premium Times reports that the investigation aims to uncover the details surrounding her unapproved participation, including how she secured accreditation and who facilitated her trip, and whether her attendance was part of an effort to undermine the Nigerian government.
The IPU, a global body representing national parliaments, mandates that member countries nominate delegates prior to each meeting.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly attended the meeting without such formal authorization.
The joint investigation by the DSS and NIA was reportedly triggered by complaints from the Nigerian Senate. Intelligence agencies are focusing on whether the senator obtained unauthorised credentials or if external parties played a role in facilitating her participation.
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The probe will also examine whether her attendance violated IPU regulations or Nigerian parliamentary protocol.
This development follows a turbulent period for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The allegation arose after a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber, which led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for alleged “gross misconduct.”
During her speech at the IPU meeting on March 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that her suspension was retaliatory and intended to silence her over the harassment claim. In response, the IPU stated it would look into her concerns and hear both sides of the issue.
The Nigerian Senate, however, refuted the claim through Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives and chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
Ogbara, who was representing Nigeria at the IPU meeting in New York, clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had nothing to do with her allegations against the Senate president.