I Applied and Was Accredited to Attend IPU Meeting — Senator Natasha
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has clarified her recent participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, despite not having prior authorization from the Nigerian Senate.
In response to reports suggesting that intelligence agencies were investigating her involvement in the global parliamentary forum following a petition from the Senate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke out to an online newspaper.
She explained that she registered for the event online, as a previous participant and a member of the IPU’s mailing list, and received approval to attend. She also clarified that the costs of the trip were entirely covered by her personally.
“My suspension by the Senate does not invalidate my legitimacy as an elected senator,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. “I registered as a Senator, received my pass, and attended the event. The suspension does not take away my status as a legitimate representative.”
The lawmaker emphasized that her previous participation in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) played a role in her accreditation for the event. She further explained that IPU events are not solely for government officials; accredited individuals and civil society organizations are also welcome to attend.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated that she considers her suspension by the Senate to be illegal, asserting that it did not strip her of her right to act as an elected Senator. She added that she attended the IPU meeting in her official capacity and spoke as a rightful representative of her constituents.
Two weeks ago, the Nigerian Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan and resolved to strip her of any official functions for the duration of her suspension, along with other punitive actions.
