By Uche Onyeali
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to delete the “satirical” apology that she posted on her social media pages.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had on April 27, shared a short video in which she mockingly apologised to Akpabio “for not allowing him” to have his way with her.
In the short video, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was “sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect” and for rejecting the advances of the Senate president, whom she implied believed no one could refuse him.
The dispute between the two senators stemmed from an altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements.
This led to Akpoti-Uduaghan initiating a suit that sought to stop the Senate from investigating her for alleged misconduct.
The Kogi senator asked the court to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, from taking any disciplinary action against her.
The female senator was, however, later suspended following her accusations against the Senate president, accusing him of sexual harassment.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako on April 4, restrained all parties involved in the suit from making public comments about the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju has filed a fresh application asking the court to direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the video, arguing that it violated a judge’s directive.
In his application, Akpabio also wants the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the post from all her social media accounts.
The Senate president urged the court to mandate her to publish a written apology in at least two national newspapers and file an affidavit confirming her compliance.
