By Capital Watch Media
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has cautioned against an official probe into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU meeting in New York, stating that such an investigation could embarrass Nigeria on the global stage.
Falana’s statement follows allegations from Senate President Godswill Akpabio that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions at the event humiliated both the government and the Nigerian people.
The senator had addressed the IPU regarding her recent suspension, which she claimed was an attempt to silence her after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The controversy began with a seating arrangement dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio in the Senate chamber.
The disagreement led to her suspension for alleged gross misconduct. Following this, she took her case to the international parliamentary body, prompting criticism from some lawmakers.
Reports indicate that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have launched an investigation into how she was able to attend the IPU meeting without official nomination from the Nigerian government.
Falana, however, has warned that such a probe could expose the country to unnecessary ridicule.
He argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan had the right to raise concerns about her suspension at the IPU, an international organisation focused on parliamentary affairs.
“Contrary to the jaundiced views of the Senate leader, it is the official probe of the circumstances of her trip by security forces that will expose Nigeria to needless embarrassment and undeserved ridicule,” Falana stated.
The senior lawyer pointed out that this was not the first time Nigerian authorities had attempted to investigate lawmakers over international engagements.
He referenced past incidents during the military era, suggesting that such actions often backfired.
Falana urged the DSS and NIA to reconsider their approach, warning that probing Akpoti-Uduaghan could set a precedent for restricting lawmakers from engaging with international bodies.
He further noted that parliamentary democracy thrives on accountability and open dialogue, and penalising a senator for engaging with a global institution could damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims has deepened divisions within the Senate, with some lawmakers calling for a fair review of her allegations against Akpabio.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has maintained that the senator’s actions were inappropriate and that she should have handled the matter internally rather than seeking international attention.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing dispute may have broader implications for gender representation and women’s participation in Nigerian politics.
Some civil society groups have expressed concerns over the treatment of Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that her suspension raises questions about the Senate’s commitment to transparency and justice.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains uncertain how the Senate and security agencies will proceed, but Falana’s warning highlights growing tensions over the issue.
The Nigerian public and international observers are closely monitoring developments, with many awaiting further responses from both the Senate leadership and Akpoti-Uduaghan herself.
