Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has pushed back forcefully against a formal petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who has accused her of criminal defamation and inciting public disorder.
Akpabio’s petition, dated April 3 and submitted to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun with a copy also forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) alleges that Akpoti-Uduaghan made a false and damaging accusation that he orchestrated an attempt on her life. He described the claim as “a heinous lie,” stating it was a deliberate move to tarnish his reputation and inflame political tensions.
Akpabio Describes Allegations as ‘Blackmail and Character Assassination’
In the petition, Akpabio stated, “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest. It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain. The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
He further argued that such allegations could destabilize the political environment, framing the senator’s remarks as part of a larger strategy to discredit him and sow discord within the polity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan Responds: ‘It Was a Desperate Cry for Help’
In response, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, speaking through her legal representative, Victor Giwa, denied any malicious intent behind her statements. During an interview with Punch, Giwa stated that his client was motivated by genuine concern for her safety and not by a desire to stir political controversy.
“She has received the petition and has responded accordingly,” Giwa said. “When she made those statements, it wasn’t to score political points it was a desperate cry for help. She wanted the public to understand the level of danger she felt exposed to.”
Concerns Over Withdrawal of Security
Giwa also raised serious concerns over the withdrawal of the senator’s security details shortly after her suspension from the Senate, calling the decision unjust and potentially dangerous.
“You’re aware that following her suspension, the Senate President ordered the withdrawal of her security personnel,” he said. “If someone is suspended from legislative duties, does that automatically mean they no longer deserve personal protection, especially when that person is a politically exposed figure with credible security concerns?”
He continued: “Yes, you’ve stopped her from entering the Senate chambers, but she still lives her life beyond the National Assembly. Withdrawing her security in such a volatile political climate puts her at greater risk.”
Ongoing Tensions and Implications
The back-and-forth between the Senate President and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights growing political tensions within the legislative arm of government. The situation also raises important questions around freedom of expression, personal safety, and the role of institutional power in silencing dissent.
As law enforcement begins its review of Akpabio’s petition and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defense, observers are watching closely to see whether the matter escalates further or if it will prompt a deeper conversation about political accountability and protection for whistleblowers within Nigeria’s democratic system.
