The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reacted strongly to a formal petition filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing her of criminal defamation and incitement.

Akpabio had written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that the senator falsely accused him of plotting her assassination, a claim he described as ?heinous lies? aimed at damaging his reputation and inciting unrest.

The petition, dated April 3 and also copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was triggered by Akpoti-Uduaghan?s comments made on April 1 in Kogi State.

The female senator, who is on a six-month suspension, had alleged that Akpabio had instructed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to eliminate her within the state, making it appear as though her constituents were responsible for the attack.

But Akpabio in the petition said, ?This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.

?It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain. The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves.?

Reacting through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Senator Natasha acknowledged receipt of Akpabio?s petition but maintained that her statement was not a political gimmick but a desperate cry for help.

?She has received the petition and has responded. What happened when she made that statement was her crying out to the general public to understand what she is exposed to,? Giwa said.

The SAN criticised the decision to withdraw Natasha?s security details shortly after she was suspended from the Senate, despite her being a politically exposed person with valid concerns for her safety.

?You are aware that the Senate President ordered the withdrawal of her security. If somebody has committed gross misconduct, what has that got to do with the withdrawal of her security?

?I mean, you say she?s not going to the office, okay fine, I mean, you don?t need the security to enter the office.

?You did stop her from coming to carry out her legislative duty as a senator but she has her life outside the Senate complex. And she?s a politically exposed person and you ordered her security details to be withdrawn!?

Meanwhile, a socio-political group, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity, has embarked on a nationwide sensitisation tour to promote the virtues of Senate President, Akpabio.

Speaking to journalists in Gusau, Zamfara State, the National President of the group, Salisu Isah, said the tour would involve visits to prominent Nigerians to highlight Akpabio?s character and leadership style, which he described as ?friendly, jovial, and often misunderstood.?

?Senator Akpabio is someone who likes to joke and interact freely. Unfortunately, many, especially women, misinterpret his simplicity,? Isah said.

He recounted a personal encounter with Akpabio in 2003 alongside Dr. Mrs. Kate Ogundaye, the then National Women Leader of MONACCO.

?The way he joked with her showed his playful nature. Even in the National Assembly, he often jokes with his colleagues. Sadly, some people take advantage of this to tarnish his image,? he said.

However, Isah acknowledged that the Senate President can be too open and sometimes makes unguarded remarks, which he cautioned could have serious consequences.

?Careless talk can cost a life. Take the case of former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, who was allegedly implicated in a coup simply because of a casual remark made to a friend,? he added.

He also drew parallels to incidents involving former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that public figures must be cautious in speech.

On the current allegations involving Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Isah claimed the controversy was politically motivated and intended to sow discord within the Senate.

?Senator Akpabio is not someone who should be caught in such allegations. The issue with Senator Natasha has been politicised by those trying to divide the Senate for selfish reasons,? he stated.

MONACCO, he said, would continue its tour across all six geopolitical zones to educate Nigerians and discourage the use of misinformation as a political tool.

Isah urged Nigerians to remain united and not fall for attempts by ?enemies of progress? to create disunity in the country. (The PUNCH)

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