Senate President Godswill Akpabio has escalated his dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by filing a formal petition with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The petition, dated April 3, calls for a criminal investigation and prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for what Akpabio characterizes as “criminally defamatory and inciting” allegations.
The core of the complaint stems from a public address Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan delivered in Kogi State on April 1, where she alleged that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination within the state, framing it as an attack by her constituents.
Akpabio vehemently denies these accusations, stating in his petition:
“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 asserts that the allegations are politically motivated, baseless, and constitute a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination.
Akpabio has urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action, demanding a thorough investigation and prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan under relevant laws, including those pertaining to criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
He emphasized the widespread dissemination of the allegations across various media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and social media.
“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 stated.
Akpabio concluded his petition by underscoring the necessity of holding public officials accountable for statements that could destabilize national peace and undermine democratic institutions.
This development follows a previous contentious exchange between the two senators, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, which contributed to her subsequent suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct.