Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said he did not order anyone to kill Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He said the claim by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central District was false and should be investigated.
In a petition to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, 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”.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State claimed that while addressing her supporters in Kogi on April 1, during a homecoming event, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that he (the senate president) instructed the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, to assassinate her.
Akpabio, in his petition, vehemently denied the allegation, which he described as a “heinous lie” designed to tarnish his reputation and incite public unrest.
He said in the petition, “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.
“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.”
Both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have been locked in a grudge after they clashed at the upper chamber over seating arrangements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended by the Senate for six months over “violation of senate rules” following a clash with Akpabio.
