- Akpoti-Uduaghan had appealed to Nigerians to hold Senate President Akpabio, Governor Ododo, and Bello liable if she or her followers were attacked
- Reacting to this, the Kogi State Government dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assassination plot claims as “utterly false”
- Senate President Akpabio's aide responded to the accusations, stressing respect for the rule of law
The Kogi State Government and Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded to claims made by suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding an alleged assassination plot.
The Kogi State Government dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan's statement, which suggested that former Governor Yahaya Bello, current Governor Ahmed Ododo, and Senate President Akpabio should be held responsible if anything happened to her.
Kogi government responds to Natasha’s claims
A statement issued by the state's Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, on Tuesday, April 1 labelled the claim as "malicious" and "utterly false." Fanwo criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of attempting to mislead the public, inciting unrest, and presenting herself as a victim after disregarding the state's ban on political gatherings.
“The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to the reckless, malicious, and utterly false allegations made by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on her verified Facebook Page,” Fanwo stated.
“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central. We will not allow any part of the state to go up in flames or permit the killing of innocent souls.”
Fanwo also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan had deleted the post after realising its potential consequences, but a screenshot had been saved before its removal.
He emphasised that Governor Ododo had no interest in the political actions of the suspended senator and that her accusations were a desperate attempt to stir controversy and cover up her defiance of the law.
Akpabio's aide refuses to comment on claims
The statement further noted that her actions had escalated tensions in Kogi Central. The government warned that she would be held responsible if her actions led to violence in the region.
On the same day, Senate President Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, clarified that Akpabio would not engage with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
Eyiboh explained, “Anything concerning Natasha within the purview of the law is subjudice because there is no way you will comment on it without linking it to the President of the Senate, who is also a party to the suit.”
When pressed about Akpoti-Uduaghan's ongoing criticisms of Akpabio, Eyiboh responded, “That shows the level of respect she has for the rule of law herself. We cannot say anything more than that.”
Natasha calls Nigerians to hold Akpabio, others responsible for potential attacks
Earlier, Akpoti-Uduaghan had called on Nigerians to hold Akpabio, Governor Ododo, and Bello responsible if she or her supporters were attacked.
In a Facebook post, she stated, “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Upon arriving in Okehi on Tuesday at 11 am by helicopter, Akpoti-Uduaghan, accompanied by her husband, was warmly received by thousands of constituents.
During the rally, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and claimed that an attempt on her life had been plotted, alleging that there was a plan for her assassination during a meeting between Senate President Akpabio and Governor Bello.
Kogi enforces rally ban as Akpoti-Uduaghan defies curfew for visit
Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed the controversy surrounding her recall, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of aiding those attempting to recall her through fraudulent means. She further criticised the process, questioning how 250,000 petitioners could sign a recall petition in just two days.
She also commented on the state's ban on rallies, noting that she was simply visiting her constituents to celebrate Sallah, not engaging in a political rally. “I am not breaking any law,” she stated. “This is Nigeria, and we have the right to be free and express choices in gatherings and celebrations.”
The Kogi State Government had imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings on Monday, citing security concerns. The Kogi Police Command also advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned rally, while the local government imposed a curfew across Okehi.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan escalates Senate suspension to international stage, IPU to review case
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reported her suspension which she claimed was politically motivated following a dispute with Akpabio to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The IPU president, Tulia Ackson, pledged to review the suspension during a session at the United Nations Headquarters.