Natasha Akpoti petitions IGP, accuses Akpabio of using proxies to taint her image

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has petitioned the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, is behind “a coordinated smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing her reputation.

In a letter dated May 15 and titled ‘Petition Against Coordinated Defamation and Cyberbullying by Sponsored Syndicate at the Behest of the President of the Senate – Godswill Akpabio,’ the lawmaker accused Akpabio of “deploying media proxies to publish false and damaging stories” about her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan cited several online platforms which simultaneously published articles on May 10 accusing her of sponsoring terrorism, orchestrating killings in Kogi central, and involvement in illegal arms deals.

“These publications were not only identical in content but also strategically timed and syndicated across various platforms in a manner that clearly suggests a centrally coordinated attack,” Ehiogie West-Idahosa, counsel to the senator wrote in the petition.

The lawmaker said the claims were not only “baseless, malicious, and defamatory,” but also posed a danger to her life, her family, and her political career.

She described the publications as “cyberbullying and character assassination” orchestrated to delegitimise her as a federal lawmaker and create grounds for politically motivated investigations or legal actions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed out that this is not the first time she has been “targeted”.

She referenced previous efforts to “malign” her during the 2023 Kogi state governorship election, where she contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In her petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for a “thorough” investigation into the individuals and media outlets involved, and particularly urged the IGP to probe the role of Akpabio in the matter.

“I respectfully request that your esteemed office investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to justice all individuals and organizations involved in this coordinated defamation campaign,” the petition reads.

“It is imperative that those who misuse their positions of power to intimidate and malign others are held accountable.”

She also urged the police to take steps to protection, citing threats to her security arising from the terrorism allegations.

“This pattern of cyberbullying and political blackmail must not be allowed to continue unchecked,” she added.

“It poses a grave threat to democracy, free speech, and the integrity of our institutions.”

‘I HAVE NOT SEEN THE PETITION’

When contacted by TheCable for comments on the allegations, Eseme Eyiboh, special adviser on media and publicity to Akpabio, said he was not in a position to respond as he had not seen the petition.

“How do you want me to respond to a petition I haven’t seen? You have seen the petition, but I have not seen it,” Eyiboh said.

Following his remarks, the reporter offered to send a copy of the petition via WhatsApp, which he agreed to.

Several hours after the document was sent, Eyiboh did not provide a formal response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.