Prominent rights activists Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu appeared at the FCT High Court on Thursday in a show of solidarity with suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as her trial for alleged defamation officially commenced.
The Federal Government accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of falsely alleging, during a live TV broadcast, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her. Both Akpabio and Bello are listed as prosecution witnesses in the case.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made history as Kogi Central's first female senator, has been a vocal advocate for transparency and women's rights. Her political rise was marked by her relentless efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and a court victory that confirmed her Senate seat. However, her tenure took a controversial turn after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and was suspended from the Senate earlier this year.
Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom governor and current Senate President, has strongly denied all allegations, describing them as malicious and dangerous. He has since petitioned the police and filed defamation suits against the senator. His wife has also filed a ₦250 billion lawsuit over related claims.
The case, already attracting national attention, raises critical questions about power, accountability, and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s democracy.
Elephant can fly in Nigeria, senator akpabio apologies to senator natasha
ReplyDelete