TOP SPECTRE – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has captured national attention in a dramatic legal showdown, filing a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking a staggering ₦100 billion in damages. The legal action follows statements made by Akpabio’s senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, which the senator claims were defamatory and damaging to her reputation.
The Lawsuit and Its Allegations
The lawsuit, officially filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday, lists Akpabio, alongside his aide Patrick, as key defendants. Through her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed to a controversial Facebook post titled, “Is Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”—a publication that allegedly contained derogatory remarks against her.
Among the accusations, the senator particularly condemned a statement in the post, which read: “She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.” Giwa argued that the statement was defamatory, provocative, and meant to tarnish the senator’s public image, especially in the eyes of her colleagues and the general public.
Seeking Justice
As part of her legal reliefs, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking the court’s intervention to declare the statement defamatory and prevent further attacks on her character.
A declaration that the words used by the third defendant at the prompting of the first and second defendants are defamatory and intended to cause public disrepute towards the claimant, her legal team argued.
Furthermore, the senator has requested a perpetual injunction preventing the defendants or any of their associates from publishing similar defamatory remarks against her on social media or any other platform.
Massive Financial Claims
Beyond the reputational damage, Akpoti-Uduaghan is demanding financial compensation for the harm caused. She is seeking:
- ₦100 billion as general damages for defamation.
- ₦300 million to cover litigation expenses.
Her legal team insists that the gravity of the situation necessitates such a hefty compensation, given the impact of the statements on her professional and personal standing.
A Battle Brewing in the Senate
The defamation suit comes amid an ongoing political clash between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. The friction between the two escalated after a controversial Senate reshuffle led to the reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, a move she strongly resisted. This dispute further fueled tensions, ultimately leading to her referral to the Senate Disciplinary Committee.
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With the case now in court, political observers are keenly watching how this legal battle unfolds. Will Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit set a precedent for how lawmakers handle defamation within political circles? Or will it further deepen the rift within the Senate leadership?
Do you think defamation cases among politicians should carry such hefty financial claims? Should Senate leaders resolve disputes internally instead of heading to court? Share your thoughts!