Akpabio Won’t Defend Sexual Harassment Case Before IPU – Spokesman

The camp of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected the authority of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to summon him over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.

In an interview with The Punch, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, stated that the matter was strictly an internal parliamentary issue and, therefore, beyond the IPU’s jurisdiction. ‘They don’t have the authority to do that. It is an internal affair of the National Assembly. Akpabio can’t be forced to honor an IPU invitation,’ Eyiboh said.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently serving a six-month suspension, had earlier accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power. Seeking international intervention, she took her case to the IPU.

Following her complaint, the IPU acknowledged her concerns but stated that it would only take a position after hearing Akpabio’s side. “The IPU, through its President Tulia Ackson, assured that it would take necessary steps after hearing both sides of the issue. Ackson acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s concerns but stressed the need for procedural fairness by hearing Akpabio’s side as well,” the agency said in a statement.

Eyiboh criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to escalate the matter internationally instead of following due legal process. “That means she has no regard for the rule of law. And beyond being contemptuous, what she is trying to do is to dent the image of Nigeria, which is worrisome. Again, the IPU cannot meddle in the parliament and internal affairs of a sovereign state like Nigeria. It will be very embarrassing,” he said.

Questioning her motives, Eyiboh suggested that her actions showed disregard for the legal system. “She has taken a step to show contempt for the court she went to. Has anybody asked her why she left the court to start heading to the IPU? Anyway, we wouldn’t want to comment too much on that issue because it is sub judice,” he added.

When asked if further sanctions could be imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan for her actions, Eyiboh declined to speculate. “I cannot predict that,” he said.
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