Akpabio’s Wife Slams Multiple Lawsuits On Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over Defamation
In a dramatic turn of events, the political arena in Nigeria has been electrified by the unfolding legal battle between Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
This legal drama has erupted following allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing the Senate President of making sexual advances towards her. Ekaette Akpabio has responded by filing multiple lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing defamation and infringement of fundamental rights.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an interview on Arise Television, made serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She claimed that Akpabio had made inappropriate sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, her refusal to comply with these advances led to her victimization within the Senate. These allegations have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting a swift and decisive legal response from Ekaette Akpabio.
In her fundamental rights suit, Ekaette Akpabio argues that the defamatory comments made by Akpoti-Uduaghan have caused her and her children significant emotional and psychological distress.
She claims that these statements violate her fundamental rights as enshrined in Section 34 (1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
Ekaette Akpabio is seeking substantial damages for the alleged infringement of her rights, alongside a perpetual injunction to restrain Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements.
Additionally, in the separate defamation suit, Ekaette Akpabio contends that the accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan have caused irreparable damage to her family’s reputation, bringing them into public disrepute.
She is seeking damages for the harm caused to her family’s reputation and is also requesting the court to mandate a public apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan, to be published in two national newspapers.
The lawsuits have sparked significant public debate, with political observers and the general public closely following the developments.
The Senate President has yet to publicly comment on the allegations, and efforts to obtain a statement from his media aides have been unsuccessful. As the legal battle between Ekaette Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to unfold, the case highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing allegations of misconduct within the political sphere. The outcome of these lawsuits will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both parties involved.
In the broader context, this case underscores the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the protection of individual rights. It also raises questions about the mechanisms available to address allegations of misconduct in the political arena and the impact of such allegations on the individuals involved and their families. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the courts will adjudicate these complex and sensitive issues.
The outcome of these lawsuits will not only affect the individuals directly involved but could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
The public and political observers alike are keenly watching to see how this high-stakes legal battle will unfold and what it will mean for the political landscape in Nigeria.
