The Igbo Progressive Women have expressed concern over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York, asserting that they have tarnished Nigeria’s global image.
The group has called for an investigation into her participation in the forum.
In a statement on Tuesday, Chief Mrs Grace Ohabuenyi, President of the Igbo Progressive Women, emphasised the need to address the incident’s impact on Nigeria’s reputation.
The group questioned both the timing and the manner in which domestic issues were raised on an international platform.
Senator Natasha, who remains in the U.S. following the March 11 IPU meeting, has claimed that plans are underway to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria. She has linked this potential arrest to her participation in the IPU, where she discussed her Senate suspension and governance concerns.
However, the group pointed out that the Senator’s case is still pending in a Nigerian court and questioned her decision to escalate the matter internationally. They have called for clarification regarding her attendance at the IPU meeting while suspended and urged authorities to investigate.
The statement reads, “Our question is—who facilitated her appearance? How did she get there? What were her motives for addressing the international community when her matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction?
“Her actions now appear to be directed not at the Senate President, but against the current federal government, which is not in the best interests of women in government.”
