Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned Kayode
Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, over the assassination allegation
levelled against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Kogi central senator.
Akpabio is seeking an immediate investigation and
prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan under relevant laws for “criminal defamation,
incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace”.
On April 1, while addressing her supporters during a
homecoming event in Kogi state, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that the senate
president instructed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, and his predecessor, Yahaya
Bello, to assassinate her.
In the petition addressed to Egbetokun, the senate president
said the allegation was a “heinous lie” designed to tarnish his reputation and
incite public unrest.
Akpabio said the “severity of the false allegation” makes an
urgent investigation imperative.
The senate president said public officeholders must be accountable
for their statements, especially those capable of destabilising democratic
institutions and tarnishing the image of elected officials.
“In the public outburst at Kogi State while addressing her
audience, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely alleged that I instructed the
former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to ‘assassinate her in Kogi
State instead of Abuja’ with the intent of making it appear that her
constituents were responsible for her death,” Akpabio said.
“This statement is not only a heinous lie but also a
reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and
security, and incite political unrest.
“I categorically state that this allegation is entirely
false, unfounded, and politically motivated. It is a calculated act of
blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political
villain, and the statement was made without any shred of truth or supporting
evidence.”
Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have been locked in a feud after
they clashed at the upper chamber over seating arrangements.
Subsequently, the Kogi senator accused the senate president
of sexually harassing her.
In March, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six
months over “violation of senate rules” following the clash with Akpabio.
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