By Abbanobi-Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
A legal showdown is unfolding between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio has approached the Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology posted on her social media pages.
On April 27, Akpoti-Uduaghan published a sarcastic apology to Akpabio on her Facebook page, accompanied by a short video. She claimed to be sorry for the “crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.” However, this apology was made despite a court order restraining both parties from commenting publicly on the defamation case filed by Akpabio.
Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the post breaches the court’s directive. They are seeking a court order to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to:
Delete the post from all social media platforms; Publish a written apology in at least two national dailies and; File an affidavit confirming compliance
The conflict between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan began after a heated altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements. The situation escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, leading to her suspension. The court’s decision will determine the outcome of this high-profile dispute.
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