Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pushed back forcefully against contempt proceedings filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, denying any breach of court orders and accusing him of attempting to silence her through judicial intimidation.
Responding to the legal action, Senator Natasha stated she had not violated any valid court directive, explaining that the interim order cited by Akpabio was suspended by Justice Nyako on April 8, 2024.
“I have not disobeyed any valid court order. The interim order referenced by Senator Akpabio was suspended. Any claim that I acted in defiance of the court is misleading and intended to harass me,” she said Thursday.
The senator also clarified that her previous apology should not be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. According to her, the letter was a peace offering, not a confession.
“My apology letter did not admit that I breached any court order. It was a gesture of peace and reconciliation, not an acceptance of wrongdoing. I find it disingenuous that the Senate President is weaponizing that letter to stifle my voice,” she stated.
Natasha condemned the lawsuit as a direct attack on her constitutional right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
“Senator Akpabio is attempting to weaponize the court to silence a fellow senator. This is not just about me—it is about the democratic principles we swore to uphold,” she said.
Questioning Akpabio’s motives, she challenged him to focus on more pressing ethical issues within the National Assembly.
“Is it not curious that while I’m being dragged for exercising my right to speak, the Senate President remains silent on far more serious allegations within the National Assembly? Why is he so afraid of scrutiny?” she asked.
Senator Natasha vowed to fight the case in court and called on civil society, the media, and the public to resist any form of judicial oppression.
“I have instructed my legal team to file the necessary responses. I also call on the media, activists, and the public to stand against any form of judicial intimidation,” she declared.
The clash marks another chapter in the growing political rivalry and leadership tension between the two lawmakers. The court is yet to rule on the contempt case.
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