'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, over alleged defamatory statements. The suit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday, seeks ₦100 billion in damages and ₦300 million in litigation costs.
The legal action stems from a Facebook post published by Patrick, Akpabio’s aide, titled, “Is local content committee of the senate Natasha’s birthright?” The post reportedly contained disparaging remarks about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of thinking that being a lawmaker is “all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.”
In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, described the statement as defamatory, provocative, and intended to lower her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and the public. She argued that the remarks were designed to cause public disaffection and damage her reputation as a lawmaker.
The senator is seeking several reliefs from the court, including:
1. A declaration that the statements made by the defendants are defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium.
2. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, or associates from publishing similar defamatory statements against her on any platform.
3. An order for the defendants to pay ₦100 billion as general damages for the harm caused to her reputation.
4. An order for the defendants to pay ₦300 million as litigation costs.
The lawsuit comes amid an ongoing dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership over her seating arrangement in the chamber. Recently, the Kogi lawmaker voiced her concerns after her seat was reassigned as part of a reshuffle. She resisted the relocation, leading to a clash with Senate President Akpabio.
Following the seating arrangement dispute, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was referred to the Senate Disciplinary Committee. The referral has further escalated tensions between the senator and the Senate leadership, with the defamation lawsuit marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
The lawsuit highlights the growing tensions within the Nigerian Senate and raises questions about the conduct of public officials on social media platforms. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take legal action underscores her determination to defend her reputation and hold the defendants accountable for their alleged defamatory statements.
The case also brings to the fore the broader issue of gender-based discrimination and stereotypes in Nigerian politics. The remarks about “pancaking her face” and “wearing transparent outfits” have been criticized as sexist and demeaning, reflecting the challenges faced by women in leadership positions.
As the case proceeds, it is expected to attract significant public and media attention, given the high-profile nature of the parties involved. The outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving public officials are handled in Nigeria.
For now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, while the Senate leadership faces scrutiny over its handling of the seating arrangement dispute and the alleged defamatory statements. The court’s decision will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the conduct of lawmakers and the protection of individual reputations in Nigeria.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his aide marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions within the Nigerian Senate. The case not only seeks to address alleged defamation but also raises important questions about gender dynamics and accountability in Nigerian politics. As the legal battle unfolds, it will undoubtedly shape the discourse around public conduct, reputation, and the rights of lawmakers in the country.
