ABUJA, Nigeria – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly rejected the accusations made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a formal petition filed by Akpabio to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging criminal defamation and incitement.
The petition, submitted on Thursday, April 3, 2025, came after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to eliminate her within Kogi State, making it appear as if her constituents were responsible for the attack.
Akpabio, in the petition, referred to the accusations as “heinous lies,” a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to damage his reputation, and an act of “blackmail and character assassination.”
He called for urgent law enforcement action to address the allegations, which he deemed politically motivated and potentially dangerous.
However, in a response made on Friday, April 11, 2025 through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged receiving the petition but defended her statement as a genuine plea for help.
Giwa criticised the decision to withdraw Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details after her suspension, highlighting her status as a politically exposed person with valid concerns for her safety.
He pointed out that despite her suspension from the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was still entitled to protection outside the legislative complex, stressing the unfairness of her security removal.
Interestingly, an organisation, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO) has launched a nationwide sensitisation tour to highlight Senate President Akpabio’s leadership qualities, portraying him as a “friendly, jovial” individual often misunderstood.
MONACCO’s National President, Salisu Isah, said the tour aims to address misconceptions surrounding Akpabio’s character, particularly his playful nature, which some have misinterpreted negatively.
Isah also condemned the politicisation of the dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming it was an effort to create division within the Senate.
He warned that public figures must be cautious with their words to avoid serious consequences, citing past incidents involving high-profile figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and former Nigerian NSA Col. Sambo Dasuki.
