Femi Falana cautions against probing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for attending the IPU meeting, predicting embarrassment for the Tinubu administration. The investigation follows her controversial suspension from the Senate, which she argues is retaliation for her accusations against the Senate President regarding sexual harassment. Falana claims the inquiry may reveal more issues than it clarifies for Nigeria.
Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, has issued a warning to security agencies against probing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan concerning her attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. He asserts that such an investigation may result in embarrassment for significant members of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This warning follows reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) have initiated an inquiry into the senator’s participation without proper official nomination.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU meeting is tied to her recent suspension from the Senate. She publicly addressed her suspension during the international gathering, prompting Senate President Godswill Akpabio to accuse her of causing embarrassment to the government. In her defense, the senator claims that her suspension was in retaliation for her accusations against Akpabio regarding sexual harassment.
In his statement, Falana referred to the investigation as a counterproductive approach that could bring unnecessary ridicule upon Nigeria. He highlighted that Akpabio’s accusations against Akpoti-Uduaghan were unfounded and emphasized that probing her attendance would have far-reaching negative repercussions. He suggested that the security agencies should look into past military junta cases instead.
Falana further asserted that the proposed investigation might specifically embarrass high-ranking officials in the Bola Tinubu administration, particularly those who had previously faced allegations of traveling abroad to discredit Nigeria under the military regime.
In conclusion, Femi Falana has strongly advised against the investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU meeting, warning that it may lead to embarrassment for key figures in the Tinubu administration. The controversy surrounding her recent suspension further complicates matters, revealing potential issues of retaliation and government accountability. Ultimately, Falana’s remarks highlight the complexities and sensitivities surrounding political interactions both domestically and internationally.
Original Source: solacebase.com
