Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as a “criminally defamatory and inciting” allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused him of plotting her assassination.

In the petition dated April 3 and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Akpabio described the claims as “heinous lies” intended to damage his reputation, incite public unrest, and endanger his life.

The controversy stems from a public speech by Akpoti-Uduaghan on April 1 in Kogi State, where she alleged that Akpabio had directed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her within Kogi State in order to make it appear that her constituents were behind the attack.

Responding to the accusation, Akpabio stated in his petition: “This statement is not only a heinous lie but a reckless and deliberate attempt to damage my reputation, endanger my life and security, and incite political unrest.”

He added that the allegation, made without evidence, was politically motivated and designed to manipulate public sentiment.

“It is a calculated act of blackmail and character assassination, designed to portray me as a political villain,” he said.

Akpabio called for an immediate police investigation and urged the prosecution of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan under laws covering criminal defamation, incitement, false accusation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The Senate President also stressed the impact of the allegation due to its widespread coverage on TV, radio, print, and social media.

“The severity of this false allegation, and the fact that it has gained public traction, makes it necessary that law enforcement agencies treat it with the urgency it deserves,” he said.

He concluded the petition by stating the need to hold public officials accountable for statements capable of undermining national peace and democratic institutions.

This latest clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan follows an earlier controversy in which she accused the Senate President of sexual harassment — a claim that contributed to her suspension from the upper legislative chamber for alleged misconduct.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ALIKO DANGOTE, AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL ICON, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Africa’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder and President of the Dangote Group, on his birthday.

The President celebrates the life of a visionary whose resilience and unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic transformation have redefined entrepreneurship on the continent.

President Tinubu commends Alhaji Dangote for his contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation effort, noting how his ventures-from cement manufacturing to agriculture and the groundbreaking Dangote Refinery-have bolstered the national ambition for self-sufficiency and created thousands of jobs.

Beyond commerce, the President extols Dangote’s philanthropy, mainly through the Dangote Foundation, which has uplifted millions of underprivileged Africans.

“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation- building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the President states.

President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will continue to bless Africa’s richest man with vitality, wisdom, and many more years of impact.

He encourages younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Dangote’s enterprise, resilience, and service.a

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
April 10, 2025

The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, has backed down on his end of the trade war and agreed to negotiate “immediately” with Donald Trump.

Carney was reacting to Trump’s announcement on Wednesday, confirming a 90-day pause on all new “reciprocal” tariffs.

It is a major reversal, which has resulted in the biggest stock market rallies in history.

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau earlier this year, has applauded Trump for the move.

“The pause on reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump is a welcome reprieve for the global economy,” Carney wrote on social media.

The Liberal Party leader also stated that he “will commence negotiations on a new economic and security relationship immediately following the federal election” with Trump.

On March 23, Carney called for a snap election on April 28 and noted that while Canada will negotiate with the U.S., Trump’s signal that he will negotiate with several other countries means his nation will have to react similarly.