Nigeria's intelligence agencies, the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), have launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's attendance at a recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York. The probe aims to determine how Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, gained access to the international forum without official nomination from Nigeria.

According to sources within the administration and security apparatus, the investigation seeks to uncover whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's participation was facilitated by external entities aiming to embarrass Nigeria. The IPU, a global parliamentary organization, adheres to strict protocols regarding representation, limiting participation to official delegates nominated by their respective countries.

Typically, a Nigerian delegation to the IPU comprises selected senators, members of the House of Representatives, and parliamentary officials. These delegates receive accreditation and are authorized to represent Nigeria at the forum. Individuals may attend as observers under specific circumstances, contingent upon approval from both the IPU and the attendee's home country delegation.

The Nigerian government contends that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan did not adhere to the established protocols when she attended the IPU meeting on March 11. During the meeting, she addressed her suspension from the Nigerian Senate, attributing it to political motives stemming from her outspokenness against misconduct within the legislative chamber. She also made allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In response to the allegations, IPU President Tulia Ackson pledged to investigate the matter while also allowing the Nigerian Senate to present its perspective. However, Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the Nigerian delegation and Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, refuted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims. Ogbara presented a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, asserting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension resulted from violations of Senate Standing Rules during plenary sessions.

The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's attendance at the IPU meeting has raised concerns among political figures and security agencies. Questions have been raised regarding how she secured an invitation to such an international event without proper nomination and approval from Nigeria. Senator Bamidele emphasized that the IPU operates based on established rules and protocols, implying that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's presence at the meeting was irregular.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chair of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, echoed these sentiments, stating that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan lacked official authorization to represent Nigeria at the IPU meeting. The SSS-NIA investigation focuses on whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorized credentials or received assistance from external facilitators to attend the meeting.

Furthermore, the investigation will assess whether her participation violated IPU regulations or Nigerian National Assembly protocols. The inquiry will also seek to determine if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's statements misrepresented Nigeria's official stance and whether individuals or organizations facilitated her attendance without the government's knowledge or approval. The outcome of the security agencies' investigation remains uncertain.