Akpabio Fights Back: Petitions IGP, Demands Arrest and Prosecution of Senator Natasha Over Assassination Allegation | READ FULL

The political storm brewing in Nigeria's Senate took a dramatic twist this week, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio fired back at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her explosive accusation that he allegedly plotted her assassination.

In a strongly worded petition dated April 3, 2025, Akpabio wrote to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging an urgent criminal investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha. The petition was also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Akpabio described Natasha's claim-which she made publicly during a speech in Kogi State on April 1-as "heinous, criminally defamatory, inciting, and politically dangerous.ÔÇØ According to the Senate President, the accusation not only endangered his life, but was deliberately crafted to tarnish his public image and stoke unrest across the country.

"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,ÔÇØ Akpabio stated in the petition.

Senator Natasha had alleged during her April 1 outing in Kogi that Akpabio ordered former Governor Yahaya Bello to carry out her assassination within Kogi State, allegedly to give the impression that the attack came from her constituents. The claim, which quickly circulated across major TV channels, radio stations, newspapers, and social media platforms, sent shockwaves across the nation.

He dismissed the allegation as a "calculated act of blackmail and character assassinationÔÇØ aimed at portraying him as a "political villainÔÇØ without any shred of evidence.

"This was politically motivated and intended to manipulate public sentiment,ÔÇØ he added.

The Senate President is now calling for Senator Natasha's prosecution under Nigeria's criminal laws covering defamation, false accusations, incitement, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. He also emphasized the potential consequences of such unfounded claims on national security and political stability.

"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,ÔÇØ Akpabio stated.

This isn't the first public clash between Akpabio and Senator Natasha. The two lawmakers have previously been embroiled in controversy, notably when Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that was widely debated and ultimately contributed to her suspension from the Senate over alleged misconduct.

With this new development, political analysts are warning of a deeper rift within the upper legislative chamber-one that could have wider implications for the credibility and unity of the Nigerian Senate.

Observers also note that Akpabio's petition may be part of a larger strategy to reassert control and send a strong message that defamatory attacks on national leaders will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Senator Natasha has yet to issue a formal response to Akpabio's petition as of press time.

As tensions rise, Nigerians are left watching closely, wondering whether this is a case of political vendetta, a genuine security threat, or an unfolding power struggle at the heart of the country's legislature.

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