• As Akpabio’s wife slams N251 billion defamation suits on Akpoti-Uduaghan

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja, Laide Raheem, Abeokuta, Felix Ikem, Nsukka

Dr Saraki, called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to submit himself to an open and transparent probe following allegations of sexual advances leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Dr Saraki who in a statement entitled “Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s Protect the Institution, Not Individuals,” noted that the vibes from the Red Chambers make him sad, alerted on “its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution.”

Dr Saraki’s remarks came on the heels of a report that the wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, had filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, demanding a total of N251 billion in damages.

The law suits border on allegations of fundamental rights violations and defamation, stemming from statements Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a plenary session of the Senate on February 20, 2025, and a subsequent interview on Arise News television.

In the light of the developments, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and the leadership of the National Assembly to wade into the altercation between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, before it the matter degenerates further and cause  international embarrassment to the country.

NANS made this call in a statement signed by its National Vice President, Akinbodunse, Sileola Felicia on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Yesterday, Dr Saraki in his statement said: “I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member, and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno, among the three arms of government.

“It is for these reasons that I believe that the two parties in this dispute and their supporters in and out of the chamber should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counter-claims to be sure that nothing is done to rubbish the institution. The constitution, laws of the country, rules of the Senate as well as parliamentary conventions and practices should be adhered to in resolving the issue. And the resolution should be done transparently without being seen to be protective of any of the parties. Rather, the objectives should be to unfold the truth and to protect the law-making institution against a wrong perception of involvement in or tolerance of lawbreaking.”

Dr Saraki urged that for “an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions,” of the Senate adding that “both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it.”

He recalled that “this is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation. I remember during the 8th Senate when a Senator claimed that I imported an official car for my use as Senate President and that customs duty was not paid on the vehicle.”

He further recalled how he willingly submitted himself to the 

Ethics Committee of the Senate at that time, noting that “this is a precedent the leadership of the 10th Senate should follow.

“In my case, the decision to allow an open investigation and subject myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling but I realized that was the best decision and in the end I am happy I travelled that route.

Then he added: “Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.”

Meanwhile, in the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs. Akpabio is claiming that Natasha’s remarks constituted a breach of her dignity and rights under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.

She is seeking the court to declare that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan violated her fundamental rights.

The lawmaker’s wife also sought an order restraining the senator from making further statements she deems   harmful to her and her children.

Mrs Akpabio further urged the court to award N250 billion in damages for emotional and psychological distress.

In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), she alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan falsely claimed on national television that her husband, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made sexual advances to her. She argued that the claim had tarnished her family’s reputation.

She, therefore, urged the court to declare that the statement was defamatory and publish a formal retraction and an apology to be published in Guardian and This Day newspapers.

In addition, she demanded N1 billion in damages for reputational harm and an injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements.

The lawsuits mark a legal battle between the two political figures. Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier filed a N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against Akpabio. In her suit marked CV/737/25, she alleged defamation and demanded N100.3bn in damages.

Others joined as defendants in the suit are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Mfon Patrick.

NANS had in the statement, sued for peace and urged both the Senate President and Akpoti-Uduaghan to sheathe their swords in order for peace to reign.

NANS vice president, Akinbodunse, recalled that the National Assembly is a key organ of the government which should be occupied by exemplary and forthright representatives of the people, saying that the face-off between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio, should not be allowed to fester.

She argued further that if the issue, particularly the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President by the female senator was not properly managed and rested, it would cause international embarrassment for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, an Igbo group, Igbo United Professionals (IUP) has described Natasha’s actions as disrespectful to the Senate, womanhood.

The group said this in a statement signed by its President, Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan maintaining that the senator’s follow-up actions on the media where she deviated from the original subject matter of her seat being changed, amounted to employing emotional blackmail against the Senate President, Senator Akpabio.

IUP said that if Senator Natasha was truly cultured as an African woman, she would have quietly apologised and moved to the seat where she was authorised to speak.

The group maintained that the said act alone is a disgrace and disrespect to the constituted authority of the Senate, which demands a public apology before whatever objection or evidence she is putting forward.

The group challenged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to come forward with evidence of the said sexual harassment she alleged against the Senate President.