Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging an immediate investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over what he termed a “criminally defamatory and inciting” claim that he orchestrated a plot to have her assassinated.

In a petition dated April 3, which was also sent to the Attorney General of the Federation, Akpabio strongly responded to comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a speech on April 1 in Kogi State. In her address, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed in a manner that would implicate her constituents.

“This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest,” Akpabio stated in the petition.

He described the accusation as politically motivated and baseless, stating, “It is a deliberate act of blackmail and character assassination, aimed at portraying me as a political villain.”

The Senate President underscored the gravity of the allegation, highlighting its widespread dissemination across television, radio, print, and social media platforms.

In his view, the attention the claim has attracted in public discourse demands a prompt and decisive response from law enforcement.

“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he added.

Akpabio called on the police to consider charges of criminal defamation, incitement, and conduct likely to breach the peace, emphasizing the need to hold public officials accountable for statements that could destabilize the political climate.

This latest incident adds to a history of tension between the two lawmakers. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that led to her temporary suspension from the Senate.