Senator Solomon Adeola rebukes Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct and her attempts to involve the IPU in disputes with the Nigerian Senate. He defends her suspension for violations of Senate rules, reiterates that claims of sexual harassment require solid evidence, and urges the IPU not to succumb to blackmail against the National Assembly.
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has publicly criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her actions regarding the Nigerian Senate. He asserted that she cannot position herself as greater than the Senate and urged the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) not to allow itself to be used for blackmail against the National Assembly.
Adeola’s comments follow a vote of confidence for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, amidst Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of political victimization presented during an IPU forum. After her suspension on March 6 due to a confrontation over Senate seating arrangements, tensions escalated further when she alleged that Akpabio had punished her for rejecting his sexual advances.
During her address at the United Nations, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought international intervention, claiming the Senate should be held accountable. However, Adeola defended her suspension, citing violations of Senate Standing Orders and the Nigerian Constitution. He emphasized her failure to utilize internal grievance mechanisms before resorting to legal action against the Senate leadership.
The Senator reiterated that while the Senate’s decisions can be legally challenged, it must function independently as an arm of government. He condemned Akpoti-Udughan’s sexual harassment allegations as unfounded, arguing they undermined the institution itself, and he noted that all senators receive due respect and courtesy.
In closing, Adeola commended Khafilat Oghara, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, for her integrity and urged the IPU to refrain from actions that could diminish the parliament’s authority. He asserted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s status remains suspended until she either fulfills the necessary conditions or a court rules on her case.
Senator Solomon Adeola has vehemently opposed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempts to challenge the integrity of the Nigerian Senate, emphasizing adherence to Senate Standing Orders and calling on the IPU to resist being manipulated. His remarks clarify that all senators enjoy equal respect, and underscore the importance of internal mechanisms for addressing grievances. Adeola concluded that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains until a judicial resolution is reached, affirming the Senate’s independence and authority.
Original Source: punchng.com
