Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently facing intense scrutiny following her serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has set up an investigative team to delve into the claims of an alleged assassination plot directed at her by Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The backdrop to this investigation stems from Akpabio’s petition, in which he demanded a thorough inquiry and prosecution of Akpoti-Uduaghan for what he called “defamatory” allegations. He submitted this petition on April 3, also sharing it with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, asserting the need for legal action to ensure his safety.
In response to these compelling allegations, Egbetokun confirmed through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, that a dedicated team is probing the matter. Adejobi stated, “Yes, we have received the petition from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The IGP has directed a team to investigate it,” emphasizing the commitment to uncover the truth behind the claims.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a homecoming event on April 1, made shocking assertions that Akpabio, frustrated by an unsuccessful attempt to initiate her recall from the Senate, plotted against her life. “On the 13th of March at 10:00 pm, mind you, two days before that, Akpabio had called Governor Ododo on the phone to commence my recall, but Ododo told him it would be impossible. Ododo told Akpabio that the recall will be impossible because the masses are with me. But Akpabio was not satisfied, so he called Yahaya Bello. I was informed of everything,” she stated.
She further elaborated on the alleged conspiracy, claiming that the discussions included plans to ensure her assassination appeared to be the work of the public. “The meeting was two fold. They told him to commence my recall and that he was going to fund it. The second thing he said was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but I have written to the IG of the Police. Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should happen here so that it will look as if it was the people that killed me here,” the senator alleged.
The current saga has brought significant attention to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s travails and her personal safety concerns amidst these alarming claims. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for both her political career and the overarching power dynamics within the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced considerable challenges during her tenure in the Nigerian Senate, reflecting broader issues within the political landscape of the country. Representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, she has emerged as a vocal advocate for her constituents, particularly in matters concerning infrastructure development, women’s rights, and social justice. However, her political journey has been anything but smooth, marked by controversies and significant personal trials.
Political Challenges
In early April 2023, she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to have her killed—an assertion that has drawn significant media attention and sparked public outrage. During a homecoming event, she claimed that Akpabio sought to fund her recall and, more alarmingly, discussed plans for her assassination, highlighting the hostile political environment in which she operates.
Legal Proceedings
Her controversial remarks have also led to legal threats. Following her allegations, Akpabio filed a petition with the Inspector-General of Police, demanding an investigation into her claims, labeling them as defamatory. This legal push has added another layer of complexity to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position, as she must now defend her assertions while navigating the potential consequences of making such serious allegations against a prominent political figure.