Ike Chidolue, who was the previous chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee in Texas, has asked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to either resign from her position or provide evidence to back up her claims.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her.
Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
His reaction followed the senator’s recent Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).
Akpoti-Uduaghan had described the broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”
However, Chidolue said the senator had failed to present any facts or evidence to defend her position.
According to him, “Her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.
“What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now-familiar pattern sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”
Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Duru were authentic, they portrayed a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.
He cited a number of claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been substantiated with verifiable evidence. These included allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, claims that former Governor Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her, and accusations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor.
He also referred to her assertion that her reassignment on the Senate floor was punishment for rejecting advances.
“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, Senate resolution, or authenticated document.
“When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable: attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Chidolue stated.
He therefore recommended a four-step approach to restore public confidence.
According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan should first verify or refute Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic laboratory publicly.
“She should also present evidence including police reports, court filings, and Senate records to support every claim, or pursue legal redress if defamed,” he said.
Failing all else, Chidolue added, she should issue a public apology and vacate her Senate seat.
“Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment.
“When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama.
“The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit,” Chidolue concluded.
NAN