Senate President Godswill Akpabio has requested the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and prosecute the Lawmaker representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over an assassination plot allegation made by the senator against him.
Akpabio, who debunked Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation, described her claims as politically motivated and accused the lawmaker of attempting to incite political unrest and damage his public image.
The senate president, in a petition written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, called for an immediate probe into the lawmaker’s claims, which he called a “heinous lie” and a “reckless and deliberate attempt” to tarnish his reputation.
This comes weeks after the suspended senator alleged that Akpabio and the former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, are plotting to take her life.
She claimed that the senate head had conspired with Bello, instructing him to orchestrate her murder by any means necessary, to make it appear as though the crime was committed by individuals from her home state.
Akpabio, however, on Thursday countered through the petition while emphasising the importance of holding public officeholders accountable for their actions, particularly when such statements are intended to destabilise democratic institutions and tarnish the image of elected officials.
According to the letter, “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 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.”
“Her motive was clear, which was to incite the public, manipulate sentiments, and malign my person and office in the eyes of the Nigerian people and the international community,” he said.
“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves.”
