The Nigerian Senate has expressed its full support for Senate President Godswill Akpabio after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central filed a staggering N100.3 billion defamation lawsuit against him. The lawsuit stems from a tense confrontation between the two lawmakers during a recent plenary session over the relocation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat.
In her suit, marked CV/737/25, Akpoti-Uduaghan accuses Akpabio of defamation, seeking N100.3 billion in damages. The dispute reportedly escalated last week when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the seating arrangement in the Senate chamber, leading to a heated exchange between the two. At one point, Akpabio allegedly ordered Senate security to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from the chamber, but fellow lawmakers intervened to prevent further conflict.
Speaking about the legal action, Senate spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu expressed confidence that the lawsuit would ultimately be dismissed, stating, “The parliament enjoys absolute privilege in the conduct of its affairs. What is done in a proper legislative setting is not actionable.” Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate was not aware of any ongoing legal suit at that time but reiterated that parliamentary actions are protected.
The situation intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, claimed that defamatory statements made by Akpabio were published on Facebook by Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick. The post in question, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?”, allegedly contained disparaging remarks about Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting she believed being a lawmaker was merely about her appearance, including “pancaking her face” and wearing “transparent outfits.”
In the defamation suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan demands a formal declaration that the statements made by Akpabio and his aide were defamatory and intended to harm her reputation. She also seeks a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from making any further defamatory statements about her, whether online or through other means. Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan has requested N100 billion in general damages and N300 million for legal costs.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court is yet to schedule a hearing date for the suit.
This legal battle marks the latest chapter in the ongoing tensions between the two lawmakers, highlighting the challenges and controversies within the Nigerian Senate.
