In a bold move that has captured widespread attention, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of defaming her character.
The legal action, filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on Tuesday, names Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, as defendants.
The lawsuit centers around statements made by Akpabio’s aide on a Facebook post titled, “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” In the controversial post, the aide allegedly suggested that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan believed her role as a lawmaker was simply about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
Through her legal representative, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that these words were defamatory, insulting, and damaging to her reputation.
The statement, she claims, was not only disparaging but also designed to provoke public contempt, tarnishing her image among her colleagues and the public at large.
As part of the lawsuit, the Senator is seeking a formal declaration from the court that the remarks made by the aide prompted by both Akpabio and Patrick are defamatory and were intended to tarnish her public image.
She also requests a permanent injunction that would prevent the defendants from publishing any further defamatory content about her on social media or other platforms.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan is demanding a substantial financial settlement, seeking ₦100 billion in damages and ₦300 million to cover litigation costs.
This legal action comes on the heels of a highly publicized dispute over a recent seating reshuffle in the Senate, which led to a confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Following the dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned, sparking further tension and leading to her referral to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see whether this high-profile legal battle will reshape the dynamics within the Senate.
