Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sues Senate President Akpabio for ₦100 Billion Over Alleged Defamation
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking ₦100 billion in damages for alleged defamation. The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday, also names Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as a co-defendant.
The legal action stems from a Facebook post published by Patrick on Akpabio’s behalf, titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” The post reportedly contained statements accusing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of believing that being a lawmaker is “all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, represented by her lawyer Victor Giwa, described the comments as defamatory, provocative, and disparaging. She argued that the statements have damaged her reputation, lowered her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues, and caused public disaffection toward her.
Reliefs Sought by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan
The Kogi lawmaker is seeking several reliefs from the court, including:
1. A declaration that the statements made by the defendants are defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium.
2. A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, or associates from publishing similar defamatory statements about her on any platform.
3. An order for the defendants to pay ₦100 billion as general damages for the harm caused to her reputation.
4. An additional ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.
Background to the Dispute
The lawsuit comes amid an ongoing dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership. The conflict escalated recently when her seat in the Senate chamber was reassigned as part of a reshuffle. Akpoti-Uduaghan resisted the relocation, leading to a public clash with Senate President Akpabio.
Following the seating arrangement dispute, the Kogi lawmaker was referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee for further investigation. The latest legal action adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between the senator and the Senate leadership.
Implications of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit highlights the growing tensions within Nigeria’s legislative arm and raises questions about the conduct of public officials in addressing disputes. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to seek legal redress underscores her determination to defend her reputation and hold the defendants accountable for their alleged defamatory statements.
If the court rules in her favor, the case could set a precedent for how defamation claims involving public officials are handled in Nigeria. It could also prompt a broader conversation about the ethical standards expected of lawmakers and the consequences of using derogatory language in public discourse.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by political observers, legal experts, and the public. The outcome could have significant implications for the Senate’s internal dynamics and the broader political landscape in Nigeria. For now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit serves as a bold statement against what she perceives as an attack on her character and professionalism as a lawmaker.
