Senate President Akpabio Threatens Legal Action Against Senators Over Allegations
Abuja, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has demanded retractions and apologies from Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Elisha Abbo over what he describes as “false and malicious” allegations, warning of imminent legal action if they fail to comply.
Key Allegations & Rebuttals
- Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Claims:
- Accused Akpabio of conspiring with ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her (made during a Kogi speech on April 1).
- Alleged denial of Senate entitlements. Akpabio’s Response:
- Dismissed the assassination claim as a “dangerous fabrication,” citing her history of similar accusations in 2019 and 2023.
- Stated entitlements are processed administratively, not by Senate President’s discretion.
- Abbo’s Accusations:
- Claimed Akpabio runs the Senate as a “personal empire” and orchestrated his removal.
- Alleged unfair denial of salaries, allowances, and official vehicle post-removal. Akpabio’s Rebuttal:
- Attributed Abbo’s loss of benefits to court rulings nullifying his tenure, not political vendettas.
- Criticized Abbo for “media theatrics” instead of accepting legal outcomes.
Escalating Conflict
- Legal Threats: Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, confirmed “letters of demand” for retractions, apologies, and compensation are being prepared.
- Political Undertones: The statement suggested the senators are part of a “coordinated smear campaign” backed by “hidden interests” to undermine Senate leadership.
Broader Implications
The clash highlights:
✔ Deepening rifts within the Senate’s leadership and opposition factions.
✔ Use of legal pressure to silence critics in Nigeria’s political arena.
✔ Ongoing fallout from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio in 2023.
Next Steps
- Akpoti-Uduaghan and Abbo have yet to publicly respond to the retraction demand.
- Legal filings expected if apologies are not issued.
