Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Files N100 Billion Defamation Suit Against Akpabio and Aide Amid Allegations of Corruption and Political Tensions
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi-North Senatorial District, has filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick. The suit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, alleges that the defendants made defamatory statements against her on social media, causing significant harm to her reputation and dignity. However, this legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of corruption allegations and political infighting that implicate both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Defamation Suit: Key Allegations
In Suit No. CU/737/25, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking:
N100 billion in general damages for harm caused to her reputation.
N300 million as the cost of legal action.
A public apology to be published in a national daily newspaper.
A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further defamatory publications.
The controversy stems from a Facebook post allegedly made by Mfon Patrick, titled “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” The post contained disparaging remarks, including:
“It is a bottled anger by the Kogi lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about ‘pancaking’ her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims the post was made at the behest of Senate President Akpabio and has subjected her to public ridicule, loss of business opportunities, and damage to her reputation among colleagues and constituents.
Corruption Allegations Against Akpabio
While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit highlights her grievances, Senate President Godswill Akpabio is no stranger to corruption allegations. His tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015) was marred by accusations of embezzlement and mismanagement of state funds. Despite these allegations, Akpabio has maintained his political influence, rising to become Senate President in 2023.
Misuse of Public Funds: During his time as governor, Akpabio was accused of awarding inflated contracts to cronies and diverting state resources for personal gain. Investigations by anti-corruption agencies were reportedly stifled due to his political connections.
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Scandal: As Minister of Niger Delta Affairs (2019–2022), Akpabio was implicated in the mismanagement of NDDC funds. A 2020 probe revealed that billions of naira meant for development projects in the Niger Delta region were allegedly siphoned under his watch.
Senate Leadership Controversies: Since becoming Senate President, Akpabio has been accused of using his position to manipulate legislative processes for personal and political gain. Critics argue that he has centralized power, sidelining dissenting voices and undermining democratic principles within the Senate.
Corruption Allegations Against Akpoti-Uduaghan
While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan presents herself as a champion of transparency and good governance, her political career has not been without controversy. Critics have raised questions about her integrity and commitment to ethical leadership.
Kogi State Steel Company Scandal: Before her election to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was involved in a high-profile campaign to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company. However, allegations surfaced that she used the campaign to advance personal business interests rather than genuine national development.
Political Patronage: Since joining the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been accused of leveraging her position to secure contracts and favors for allies. Critics argue that her actions contradict her public image as an anti-corruption advocate.
Ethical Hypocrisy: Despite her defamation suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been criticized for engaging in political mudslinging and using inflammatory rhetoric against opponents. Her confrontational approach has raised questions about her commitment to fostering constructive dialogue within the Senate.
Political Tensions and Power Struggles
The defamation suit is the latest episode in a series of confrontations between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, reflecting deeper tensions within the Nigerian Senate.
Seating Arrangement Dispute: On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her Senate seat had been reassigned without prior notice. She interpreted this as an attempt to marginalize her and refused to occupy the new seat, leading to a heated exchange with Akpabio.
Sexist Remarks: In July 2024, Akpabio reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan during a Senate plenary, stating, “This is not a nightclub.” The remark was widely condemned as sexist and demeaning, forcing Akpabio to issue a public apology.
Committee Assignments: Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Akpabio of removing her from key committees and undermining her legislative contributions. These actions have fueled speculation about a deliberate effort to silence dissenting voices within the Senate.
Broader Implications: Corruption in Nigerian Politics
The legal battle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio highlights the pervasive corruption and political infighting that plague Nigeria’s political landscape. Both figures have been accused of prioritizing personal interests over public service, undermining efforts to address the country’s pressing challenges.
Lack of Accountability: Despite numerous corruption allegations, neither Akpabio nor Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced significant legal consequences. This reflects a broader culture of impunity that enables corrupt practices to thrive.
Erosion of Public Trust: The ongoing feud between the two senators further erodes public trust in Nigeria’s political institutions. Many Nigerians view such conflicts as distractions from the urgent need for good governance and economic development.
Need for Systemic Reform: The allegations against Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in Nigerian politics.
While Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defamation suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his aide highlights her grievances, it also exposes the deep-seated corruption and political dysfunction within Nigeria’s ruling elite. Both figures have been implicated in allegations of corruption and unethical conduct, raising questions about their commitment to serving the public interest.
As the legal battle unfolds, it is imperative for Nigerians to demand greater accountability from their leaders and push for systemic reforms to address the root causes of corruption. Only through genuine transparency and ethical leadership can Nigeria hope to overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development.
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