Senate President Godswill Akpabio has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a directive compelling suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to delete a viral video in which she delivered a satirical apology to him.
The legal move, filed by Akpabio’s lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), argues that the video—posted on April 27 across Akpoti-Uduaghan’s social media accounts—violated a court directive and amounted to contempt.
In the video, Akpoti-Uduaghan mockingly “apologised” to Akpabio, saying she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect,” and sarcastically regretted not letting the Senate President “have his way” with her. The video drew widespread public attention, reigniting debate around the ongoing tensions between the two senators.
Ogunwumiju urged the court to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the video from all platforms and issue a written apology in at least two national newspapers. He also asked that she submit an affidavit confirming she has complied with the court’s instructions.
The bitter rift between the lawmakers stems from a prior altercation in the Senate chamber, reportedly over seating arrangements. Akpoti-Uduaghan was later suspended from the Senate under controversial circumstances.
What you should know
As the court prepares to hear Akpabio’s motion, the saga tests Nigeria’s judicial and political institutions.
A ruling against Akpoti-Uduaghan could chill dissent but risks further inflaming her supporters, while a dismissal might embolden her defiance.
With Kogi Central constituents reportedly pushing for her recall, per Blueprint, and Akpabio facing scrutiny over past controversies, including a 2020 harassment allegation by Joi Nunieh, the dispute transcends personal rivalry, exposing fault lines in gender equity and Senate governance.
For now, Nigeria watches as this high-stakes drama unfolds, with justice, power, and truth hanging in the balance.
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