CurrentReport Blog Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly denied claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused him of orchestrating a plot to assassinate her. In a statement issued by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President labeled the allegations as “baseless” and “inflammatory,” asserting that they were intended to tarnish his reputation and create unnecessary public unrest.
Accusations and Rejection
The allegations, which were made by the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, claim that Akpabio “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate an assassination attempt on her in Kogi State, as opposed to in Abuja. The Senate President’s response rejected these accusations in the strongest terms, calling them a “reckless and malicious claim” that was “not only false but a complete fabrication.”
Akpabio’s statement further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of making these “dangerous” allegations to attract media attention and discredit his office. “This outrageous accusation is deeply irresponsible and dangerous,” the statement read, urging the public to disregard the claims as nothing more than a deliberate attempt to provoke chaos and undermine the dignity of the Senate.
A History of Unsubstantiated Claims
Akpabio also referenced past allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, including accusations of sexual harassment and assassination attempts against various individuals, such as former Governor Yahaya Bello. He pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “recurring persecution narrative” had not been substantiated, emphasizing that such unfounded claims should not be used to damage the reputation of public figures.
“It is a matter of public record that she has previously made assassination allegations against former Governor Yahaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, along with multiple unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against other dignitaries,” Akpabio’s statement noted. He further criticized her for abandoning her earlier allegations of sexual harassment and shifting focus to the latest baseless claims.
Call for Responsibility and Accountability
The Senate President’s statement concluded by urging the public to be cautious of “evident lying” and “weaponized persecution narratives,” which he argued were being used to malign individuals and destroy the reputations of hard-working public officials. Akpabio called for accountability and responsibility, both in public discourse and political engagement, warning against the dangerous trend of false accusations that only serve to destabilize the political environment.
Political Implications
This public exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has drawn significant attention in Nigerian political circles. It highlights the ongoing tensions within the Senate and the larger political landscape, where accusations and counterclaims are often used as tools to challenge or discredit political figures.
As the situation unfolds, both parties are expected to continue to defend their positions, with the broader political community closely watching how the allegations and counterclaims will affect public opinion and future political strategies.
