In a new twist, Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), are reportedly probing how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination.
According to sources, the probe is seeking to uncover how she secured accreditation, who facilitated her trip, and whether her participation was orchestrated to embarrass the Nigerian government.
Noteworthy is the fact that the IPU, a global organisation of national parliaments, requires member countries to nominate delegates before meetings.
The Kogi Central senator was said to have attended the IPU meeting, despite not being authorised.
The intelligence agencies joint investigation, it was learned, was triggered by complaints from the Senate.
The DSS and NIA are reportedly investigating whether Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorised credentials or if external facilitators aided her participation.
The probe is also expected to determine if her attendance breached IPU regulations or National Assembly’s protocol.
THE BACKSTORY
Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexually harassing her.
The allegation came in the wake of her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio in the red chamber.
She was subsequently suspended from the Senate for “gross misconduct” over the debacle.
Speaking at the New York IPU meeting on March 11, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed her suspension was designed to silence her over the sexual harassment allegation.
In response, the IPU said it would take steps to address her concerns and listen to both sides.
Subsequently, the Senate responded through Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives, who told the IPU meeting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended over her allegations against the Senate president.
She explained to the IPU meeting that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and disobedience of senate rules.
Ogbara is the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at the IPU meeting in New York.
