Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has warned that any attempt to probe Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, would embarrass Nigeria. Falana’s statement comes amid calls for an investigation into the senator’s participation in the global parliamentary event.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been at the center of controversy after reports emerged questioning her eligibility to attend the IPU meeting. Critics have accused her of misrepresenting her status as a senator, but Falana dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“Senator Natasha was duly elected and sworn in as a member of the Nigerian Senate. Any attempt to probe her attendance at the IPU meeting will only embarrass Nigeria on the global stage,” Falana said. He urged the National Assembly to focus on addressing pressing national issues rather than engaging in unnecessary controversies.
The IPU, a global organization of parliaments, provides a platform for lawmakers to discuss and address international issues. Senator Natasha’s participation in the meeting has been defended by her supporters, who argue that her presence was in line with her role as a legislator.
Falana’s intervention has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians applauding his stance, while others have called for transparency in the matter. As the debate continues, stakeholders are urging the National Assembly to avoid actions that could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally.