In a significant legal development, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The lawsuit, filed on February 25, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks N100 billion in general damages and an additional N300 million to cover litigation expenses.
Background of the Dispute
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The legal action stems from an incident on February 20, 2025, during a Senate session. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat had been reassigned without prior notification. Viewing this as an attempt to undermine her role, she protested the change. The situation escalated when Mfon Patrick, a senior legislative aide to Senate President Akpabio, allegedly posted a defamatory statement on Facebook. The post suggested that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan lacked understanding of legislative procedures and insinuated that she believed being a lawmaker was solely about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”
Legal Claims
In her lawsuit, marked CV/737/25, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that the statements made by Patrick, purportedly at the behest of Akpabio, were defamatory and intended to tarnish her reputation. She asserts that these remarks have subjected her to public ridicule and diminished her standing among colleagues and constituents.
The senator is seeking:
- A declaration that the statements are defamatory.
- An order compelling the defendants to retract the statements and issue a public apology in a widely circulated national newspaper.
- A perpetual injunction preventing the defendants from making further defamatory remarks about her.
- Compensation totaling N100 billion in general damages and N300 million for legal costs.
Senate’s Response
In response to the altercation and subsequent lawsuit, the Senate has referred Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee, led by Senator Neda Imaseun of Edo South, has been tasked with investigating the matter and is expected to report its findings within two weeks.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during the session, emphasizing the importance of decorum and adherence to legislative rules. He stated, “The National Assembly is for serious business, not for content creation in entertainment.”
Implications
This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Senate and raises important questions about parliamentary privilege, freedom of expression, and the mechanisms available to address grievances among lawmakers. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how internal disputes and allegations of defamation are handled within legislative bodies in Nigeria.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Abuja to see how it navigates the complex interplay of law, politics, and personal reputation in this high-profile case.
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