By Amajama ADAM
The Abuja Inquirer has learnt of strenuous efforts by the Nigerian government to deny embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from gaining entry in to the United Nations building in New York, United States.
The senator who is serving a controversial six-month suspension it has emerged sponsored herself and flew on her normal international meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting, last week.
She used the opportunity to raise global awareness to her predicament alleging victimisation based on sexual pressure from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. He has since denied any wrongdoing.
The Abuja Inquirer learnt that efforts were made by the Nigerian embassy officials to deny her from gaining entry to the UN building, a request that was rebuffed by the global body.
This newspaper learnt that Mrs. Amina Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General was also reached in an effort for her to use her leverage but she declined being dragged into the matter as Natasaha’s attendance had already passed all necessary clearance.
On Sunday, Premium Times reported that the State Security Services, SSS, and the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, were miffed and working to establish how the senator attended the meeting with approval and gained accreditation.
The online newspaper cited an unnamed high-ranking administration official and two top security officials involved in the inquiry.
In a related development, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the failure to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
SERAP alleged that the suspension was based solely on the peaceful exercise of Natasha’s right to freedom of expression.
Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.
The Senate recently suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly “spoke without permission” and “refused her new seat in the Senate chamber.”
Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP sought: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”
It also sought: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.
“A declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation.”
 | ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction |
