“We Have Heard Your Concerns, We Will Also Listen to the Other Side” — IPU Responds to Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has acknowledged the complaint brought before it by Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and assured that it will review the matter while also considering the other side.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the IPU over her six-month suspension from Nigeria’s Senate and allegations of s+x¥al hara§§ment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at the Women in Parliament session at the United Nations in New York, she described her suspension as “unlawful” and called for global democratic institutions to intervene.
Responding to her claims, IPU President Tulia Ackson stated that the institution would follow due process before taking further action.
“There was a matter that arose during the first session which we had this morning. The matter that was raised by our colleague from Nigeria, Senator Natasha, and because all of us heard what she said and it only serves us better if I put a word in what she has said.
So I would like to say we have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said, but because we listened only on her side, as an institution, as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side, but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as it is a custom for IPU. And after having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary.
And that said, IPU will be taking this matter as we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this,” Ackson said.
