Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to dismiss a petition filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio accused her of criminal defamation and incitement, alleging she falsely claimed he plotted her assassination.
In his petition, the Senate President reportedly described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as a “heinous lie,” asserting that her statements were aimed at tarnishing his reputation and inciting public unrest.
However, in a strongly worded response issued on Saturday by her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged security agencies to ignore Akpabio’s petition, which she described as a diversionary tactic meant to deflect attention from serious allegations against him.
Giwa stated that the Senate President should instead be the one facing investigation, particularly over alleged threats to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s life. He cited the recent and reportedly unauthorized withdrawal of her security personnel, allegedly on Akpabio’s orders, as a critical security breach that endangered her safety.
“We act as legal representatives for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Our attention has been drawn to reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a petition against our client, alleging she incited the public against him,” the statement read.
“It is our client’s firm position that the Senate President must submit himself to a full and impartial investigation regarding the threats to her life. He remains a principal suspect in this matter, especially following the unlawful withdrawal of her security protection at his behest.”
The statement further stressed that any allegations of incitement against the Senator could only be taken seriously if investigations conclusively prove that her claims were false.
“Until such a time that a thorough probe clears the Senate President of wrongdoing, any petition he files should be seen as an attempt to obstruct justice and mislead law enforcement,” Giwa added.
Calling on the Inspector General of Police to act swiftly, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team urged the dismissal of Akpabio’s petition, describing it as prejudicial and aimed at undermining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
The unfolding dispute adds another layer of tension to the already charged political atmosphere, as observers await further developments in the case.
