The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has responded to a formal petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the petition, Akpabio accuses her of spreading false claims that he plotted her assassination — allegations he says were meant to tarnish his image and spark political unrest.
The complaint, which was submitted to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on April 3 and also sent to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stemmed from a statement made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a public event in Kogi State on April 1.
In her comments, she alleged that Akpabio had urged former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to eliminate her. She said the plan was to make her death look like the work of political opponents within her constituency.
Akpabio reacted strongly in his petition, stating, “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.”
He further described the accusation as a calculated move to discredit him. According to him, the public attention the statement received made it necessary for law enforcement to investigate the matter urgently.
Responding through her legal representative, Victor Giwa, Senator Natasha said she had received Akpabio’s petition and has already issued a reply. Giwa stressed that her claims were not politically driven but rather a plea for protection.
“What happened when she made that statement was her crying out to the general public to understand what she is exposed to,” Giwa explained.
He also questioned the Senate’s decision to strip Akpoti-Uduaghan of her security detail following her suspension. Giwa argued that despite her suspension from legislative duties, she remains a public figure vulnerable to threats.
“You are aware that the Senate President ordered the withdrawal of her security,” he said. “You did stop her from coming to carry out her legislative duty as a senator but she has her life outside the Senate complex. And she’s a politically exposed person.”
Meanwhile, a socio-political group known as the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO) has launched a campaign to defend Akpabio’s reputation.
At a media briefing in Gusau, Zamfara State, the group’s National President, Salisu Isah, announced that the initiative would tour the country to present a different perspective of the Senate President.
Isah described Akpabio as a “friendly” and “jovial” person whose behavior is often misunderstood. He shared personal stories from past encounters with Akpabio to support his argument, including one from 2003 involving a women leader who allegedly misunderstood Akpabio’s jokes.
Isah also noted that although Akpabio is known for being open, this could sometimes result in unguarded statements. “Careless talk can cost a life,” he said, warning public figures to be mindful of their words, citing past political incidents both in Nigeria and abroad.
He claimed that the ongoing controversy is politically charged and aimed at creating division within the Senate. “The issue with Senator Natasha has been politicised by those trying to divide the Senate for selfish reasons,” he said.
