…Senate President dismisses Natasha’s claim as false, calls for prosecution
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he describes as a malicious and dangerous allegation by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In the letter dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio urged law enforcement to launch an immediate investigation and prosecute the senator for criminal defamation and incitement.
The controversy began after Akpoti-Uduaghan, while addressing supporters in Kogi State on April 1, accused Akpabio of directing former Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her in Kogi, rather than Abuja. She alleged that the aim was to make her death look like an internal crisis among her constituents.
Senate President Denies Plot
Akpabio firmly denied the accusation. He described it as “a heinous lie” intended to damage his image and incite unrest. According to him, there is no truth to the claim, nor has any evidence been presented.
“This reckless statement was a calculated attempt to blackmail me and portray me as a political villain,” he said. “It endangers my life and threatens public peace.”
He added that the accusation was politically motivated and crafted to manipulate public emotions, both locally and internationally.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Akpabio’s petition also pointed out how widely the statement spread. Major media outlets, including television, radio, newspapers, and social media platforms, circulated the story. He warned that such exposure could amplify unrest and mislead the public.
“The false claim gained traction fast,” he said. “Its potential to stir conflict and undermine trust in public institutions makes it all the more dangerous.”
Demand for Urgent Action
The Senate President urged the police to prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan under laws covering criminal defamation, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. He stressed the importance of quick and decisive action to prevent similar cases in the future.
“Law enforcement must not allow this false narrative to go unpunished,” Akpabio stated. “Public figures must be held accountable for inflammatory remarks.”
Protecting the Senate’s Integrity
In closing, Akpabio emphasized the need to safeguard the credibility of the Senate and ensure that no member uses falsehoods for political gain.
“Statements like this erode public confidence in democratic institutions,” he said. “We must take a firm stand against them.”
So far, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigeria Police Force have not responded publicly to the petition.
