The camp of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed the authority of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to summon him regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.
Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, made this position clear in an interview on Wednesday, stating that the matter is strictly an internal parliamentary issue.
“They don’t have the authority to do that. This is an internal affair of the National Assembly. Akpabio cannot be forced to honor an IPU invitation,” Eyiboh asserted.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Seeks International Intervention
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension, had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power. On Tuesday, she escalated the issue by taking her case to the IPU, a United Nations agency, seeking its intervention.
Following her complaint, the IPU President, Tulia Ackson, stated that the organization would need to hear Akpabio’s side before taking a stance on the matter.
“The IPU acknowledges Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns but emphasizes the need for procedural fairness by hearing both sides of the issue before making any decision,” the agency noted in a statement on Wednesday.
Eyiboh: ‘Natasha Disregarding Rule of Law’
Reacting to the IPU’s involvement, Eyiboh accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of undermining legal procedures by bypassing the court system and taking her case to an international body.
“By running to the IPU, she is showing disregard for the rule of law. Beyond that, her actions appear to be an attempt to tarnish Nigeria’s image, which is deeply concerning. The IPU has no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of Nigeria’s parliament,” he stated.
Eyiboh also questioned her motives, suggesting that her decision to approach the IPU instead of pursuing her case in court could be viewed as contemptuous.
“She has taken a step that shows contempt for the court she initially approached. Why did she abandon the legal process and turn to the IPU instead?” he asked.
Possible Further Sanctions?
When asked whether Akpoti-Uduaghan could face additional penalties for her actions, Eyiboh refused to speculate.
“I cannot predict that,” he said.
