Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted a petition to Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, seeking an investigation into the assassination claim made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central.
Akpabio is requesting prompt action to investigate and prosecute Akpoti-Uduaghan based on applicable laws for “criminal defamation,” “incitement,” “false accusation,” and “conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.”
On April 1, during a homecoming event in Kogi state, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the senate president had directed Usman Ododo, the current governor of Kogi, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, to “assassinate her.”
In his petition to Egbetokun, Akpabio described the accusation as a “heinous lie” aimed at damaging his reputation and stirring up public disorder.
He emphasized that the “severity of the false allegation” necessitated urgent inquiry.
Akpabio stated that public officials should be held responsible for their remarks, particularly those that could undermine democratic institutions and harm the credibility of elected leaders.
“During her address in Kogi State, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I told Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja’ so it would seem that her death was the doing of her constituents,” Akpabio said.
“This claim is not only a ‘heinous lie’ but also a dangerous and deliberate move to ruin my image, put my safety at risk, and provoke political instability.
“I strongly assert that this accusation is completely false, baseless, and politically charged. It is a calculated attempt at blackmail and character assassination, meant to depict me as a political antagonist, and it was made with absolutely no factual backing.”
The conflict between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan started after a disagreement in the senate chamber over seating arrangements.
Following this, Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the senate president of sexual harassment.
In March, the senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan for “violation of senate rules” stemming from her altercation with Akpabio.
