Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to disregard a petition filed against her by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing her of criminal defamation and incitement.
Rather than entertain the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan is urging the police chief to launch a thorough investigation into allegations that the Senate President orchestrated a plot to harm her.
Akpabio had earlier petitioned the IGP, describing as “heinous lies” the senator’s claims that he was involved in a plot to assassinate her. According to Akpabio, the allegations were aimed at maligning his character and inciting public unrest.
However, in a statement issued Saturday through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of trying to “preempt investigations” into his alleged involvement by lodging what she termed a “bubble petition” as a distraction.
“It is our client’s position that the Senate President should submit himself for a full investigation before raising any allegations of incitement,” the statement read.
The senator also alleged that her security details were illegally withdrawn under Akpabio’s instruction, further deepening concerns over her safety.
“The Senate President is a principal suspect in the case of threat to the life of the distinguished Senator Natasha. It is only when the investigation has been concluded and the allegation shown to be false that the issue of incitement against our client can be entertained,” the statement continued.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team called on the IGP to dismiss Akpabio’s petition, describing it as diversionary and prejudicial to ongoing investigations.
