The embattled senator representing Kogi Central District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reported the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to the United Nations Interparliamentary Union (UNIPU).
The Senate had on Thursday suspended her for six months for an alleged breach of parliamentary rules.
Her quest for reprieve coincided with the ongoing Women in Parliament session, taking place at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Meeting (IPU) at the UN headquarters in New York, USA.
She is seeking the intervention of the global body in her quest for justice and to quash the suspension order.
The senator has consistently described her suspension as an injustice that must not be allowed to stand.
She has also expressed apprehension over her safety, as the Senate also ordered the immediate withdrawal of her security aides.
She expressed fears that she might be victimised back home for escalating and externalizing the matter.
However, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has said it will take the necessary steps on the suspension of Senator Natasha by the Nigerian Senate after hearing from both parties involved in the matter.
The assurance came from IPU President, Tulia Ackson, in response to a petition presented by Natasha.
Addressing the assembly, the IPU President acknowledged the concerns raised by Senator Natasha and confirmed that the organisation had taken note of the issues presented.
She, however, stressed that a fair approach requires hearing from the other side before any decision is taken.
She noted that while the Nigerian delegate was unable to speak during the session due to time constraints, the IPU remains committed to considering all perspectives before proceeding further.
Ackson said, “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, 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.”
She, however, assured that, “IPU will be taking this matter as we usually do when such concerns are raised in meetings like this.”
WATCH VIDEO HERE
