Senator Natasha Akpoti Appeals to Global Leaders After Suspension…

Senator Natasha Akpoti has raised concerns over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate, claiming it is an act of political victimization following her complaint of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During her address at the IPU, she called for international support for Nigerian women, citing severe consequences of her suspension. The Nigerian Senate, however, stated that her suspension was due to violations of Senate Standing Orders, not linked to her allegations.

Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti has voiced her frustrations over what she perceives as political victimization following her suspension from the Senate, which she claims occurred after she lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. During her address at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), she solicited the support of the international community while highlighting the systematic marginalization of women from leadership positions within Nigeria.

Senator Akpoti recounted her experiences to an audience of global legislators, expressing her sorrow, “I come with a heavy heart from Nigeria… I am here to seek help for the women of Nigeria.” Her suspension occurred on March 6, 2025, following her petition against the Senate President, which she hoped would lead to a fair investigation but instead resulted in her being penalized.

She elaborated that her suspension imposed numerous hardships: withdrawal of security provisions, confiscation of official vehicles and benefits, salary cessation, and a six-month ban from representing herself as a senator. She condemned these actions as part of a broader strategy to marginalize women in the political sphere, stating, “If a female senator can be treated this way… imagine what ordinary Nigerian women face…”

In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson recognized Natasha’s concerns, indicating that the IPU would investigate the matter further while also hearing from the Nigerian delegation. She remarked that the organization must maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that all parties have an opportunity to present their viewpoints before any action is undertaken.

Contrarily, the Nigerian Senate has clarified that Senator Akpoti’s suspension was unrelated to her allegations of sexual harassment. The Senate asserted that her suspension stemmed from breaches of specific sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023, thereby dissociating the suspension from her claims against the Senate President.

Senator Natasha Akpoti’s appeal to the global community highlights significant issues regarding political victimization and the systemic exclusion of women from leadership in Nigeria. While her suspension has raised concerns internationally, the Nigerian Senate insists that the action was unrelated to her harassment allegations. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by women within Nigeria’s political and social spheres.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com