Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has hit back at Senate President Godswill Akpabio after he accused her of criminal defamation and incitement. This comes after Natasha publicly alleged that Akpabio conspired with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to eliminate her.
In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dated April 3 and also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akpabio denied the allegation, describing it as a dangerous lie that could lead to unrest and endanger lives.
“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 wrote in the petition.
He said the accusation was a calculated move to blackmail him and portray him 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 added.
The controversy began on April 1 when Senator Natasha, who is currently on a six-month suspension from the Senate, claimed that Akpabio had instructed Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination in a way that would make it appear her own people were responsible.
But Senator Natasha, through her lawyer Victor Giwa, defended her action. She said she was not playing politics but was crying out for help because of the dangers she believed she was facing.
Giwa said, “She has received the petition and has responded. 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 decision to withdraw Natasha’s security detail after her suspension. He questioned why her personal security was taken away even though her suspension only affected her legislative duties and not her private life.
He said, “You are aware that the Senate President ordered the withdrawal of her security. If somebody has committed gross misconduct, what has that got to do with the withdrawal of her security? She is a politically exposed person. She has her life outside the Senate complex.”
He added that the withdrawal of her security made her vulnerable and was a risk to her safety.
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As the matter continues to attract public interest, a socio-political group, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO), has begun a nationwide tour to defend Akpabio’s reputation.
Speaking in Gusau, Zamfara State, the group’s National President, Salisu Isah, said the tour aims to highlight Akpabio’s leadership qualities and friendly character.
“Senator Akpabio is someone who likes to joke and interact freely. Unfortunately, many, especially women, misinterpret his simplicity,” Isah said.
He shared a personal story from 2003 to support his point. “The way he joked with Dr. Mrs. Kate Ogundaye, the then National Women Leader of MONACCO, showed his playful nature. Even in the National Assembly, he often jokes with his colleagues. Sadly, some people take advantage of this to tarnish his image.”
Isah, however, advised Akpabio to be more careful with his words. “Careless talk can cost a life. Take the case of former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, who was allegedly implicated in a coup simply because of a casual remark made to a friend.”
He compared Akpabio’s situation to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying public figures must be cautious in their speech.
On the ongoing dispute between Akpabio and Natasha, Isah said the matter has been politicised to cause division in the Senate.
“The issue with Senator Natasha has been politicised by those trying to divide the Senate for selfish reasons. Senator Akpabio is not someone who should be caught in such allegations,” he stated.
MONACCO says it will continue its sensitisation tour across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to educate citizens and discourage the use of misinformation in politics.
Isah called on Nigerians to remain united and avoid falling for tactics by what he described as “enemies of progress.”
“The country needs unity more than ever. We must not allow fake news and political games to destroy our peace,” he said.