Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has fiercely responded to a petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing her of criminal defamation and incitement over an assassination claim.
Akpabio, in a petition dated April 3 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely accused him of plotting to have her killed — a statement he described as “heinous lies” and “a calculated act of blackmail.”
“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,” Akpabio said in the petition, which was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The controversy stems from a statement Akpoti-Uduaghan made on April 1 in Kogi State, where she claimed that Akpabio instructed former Governor Yahaya Bello to eliminate her under the guise of a constituent attack.
Through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, the embattled senator said her comments were not politically motivated but “a desperate cry for help.”
“She has received the petition and has responded,” Giwa confirmed. “What happened when she made that statement was her crying out to the general public to understand what she is exposed to.”
Giwa also criticised the Senate’s decision to withdraw Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security following her six-month suspension. “You say she’s not going to the office — fine — but she still has a life outside the Senate complex,” he said. “And she’s a politically exposed person.”
Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO), has launched a nationwide tour to defend Akpabio’s reputation. The group’s National President, Salisu Isah, described Akpabio as “friendly, jovial, and often misunderstood.
“Senator Akpabio is someone who likes to joke and interact freely. Unfortunately, many, especially women, misinterpret his simplicity,” Isah told reporters in Zamfara.
He also warned that unguarded remarks by public figures could be dangerous, citing past political incidents. “Careless talk can cost a life,” he added.
Isah claimed the controversy is politically motivated and designed to divide the Senate. “The issue with Senator Natasha has been politicised by those trying to divide the Senate for selfish reasons,” he said.
MONACCO’s sensitisation tour will reportedly cover all six geopolitical zones, aiming to counter misinformation and promote unity.