Falana Warns Against Probing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s IPU Attendance

Femi Falana warns that probing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her IPU attendance could embarrass Nigeria. Following her suspension, the DSS and NIA launched an inquiry into her attendance. Falana claims the investigation is unnecessary and could ridicule key officials of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has expressed concern regarding the inquiry into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. He warns that such an investigation, initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), could cause embarrassment to prominent officials of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The controversy arose following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Nigerian Senate, where she addressed her situation at the IPU meeting. Senate President Godswill Akpabio had criticized her for bringing her suspension to attention at an international platform, asserting it embarrassed the government. In contrast, the senator contends that her suspension was a retaliatory act for accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.

In a statement made on Sunday, Falana condemned the proposed investigation as futile, claiming it may subject Nigeria to unnecessary shame. He noted, “It is public knowledge that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, had accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of embarrassing the government.”

Falana further asserted that contrary to Akpabio’s claims, it is the probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s travel that risks inflicting ridicule on Nigeria. He recommended that the DSS and NIA reference previous investigations, such as those during the Sani Abacha military rule, to avoid repeating mistakes regarding the treatment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s situation. Falana emphasized that the inquiry could potentially embarrass several top officials within the Bola Tinubu administration who have previously faced accusations related to overseas activities during the military regime.

Femi Falana cautions against the inquiry into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s IPU attendance, stating that such an investigation would likely embarrass the Nigerian government rather than the senator herself. The matter is particularly sensitive given the backdrop of her suspension from the Senate, which she claims is retaliatory. Falana urges security agencies to reconsider proceeding with this investigation, referencing past governmental missteps to underscore his points.

Original Source: solacebase.com