Akpabio asks court to compel Natasha Akpoti to delete satirical apology

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked a federal high court in Abuja to compel Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, to delete a satirical apology posted on her social media pages.

On April 27, Akpoti-Uduaghan published a sarcastic apology to Akpabio on her official Facebook page — with a short video to boot.

In the post, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was sorry for the “crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect”.

The lawmaker’s action was despite an order by Justice Binta Nyako, restraining both parties from making public comments about the case, especially remarks related to allegations of sexual harassment, pending the determination of an existing suit.

Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued that the post constitutes a breach of the judge’s directive.

The lawyers asked the court to compel the suspended senator to delete the post from all her social media platforms.

Akpabio’s team also wants the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a written apology in at least two national dailies and file an affidavit confirming compliance.

The row between Akpabio and the suspended senator began after an altercation in the chamber over seating arrangements.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March, shortly after accusing the senate president of sexual harassment.