He accused the senator of deliberately whipping up public sentiment rather than responding to the legal process, describing her online reaction as part of a broader pattern.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, has refuted Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that the Senate President only recently filed a defamation suit against her, insisting the matter has been before the court for more than three months.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Udom accused the Kogi Central senator of attempting to mislead the public by announcing on social media that Akpabio had “just” instituted a case against her over allegations of sexual harassment.
Udom said the case was initiated months ago after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made what he described as “unfounded and damaging allegations” capable of harming the Senate President’s reputation. He stressed that the claims were never backed by evidence before the Senate Committee on Ethics or any competent authority.
“Her latest assertion is simply untrue,” he said. “The records are in court. The suit was filed months back, and its progress followed the normal pace of judicial administration.
The media aide disclosed that the case stalled initially because the court bailiff could not reach the senator, alleging she actively avoided being served court papers.
“Every attempt at personal service failed,” Udom said. “This wasn’t an accident. The bailiff’s sworn affidavit makes it clear she evaded service.”
He noted that it was only after these failed efforts that the court approved an application for substituted service in November.
Udom accused the senator of deliberately whipping up public sentiment rather than responding to the legal process, describing her online reaction as part of a broader pattern.
“She has always preferred digital drama to due process,” he said. “Court cases are not determined by hashtags, outrage, or sympathy clicks.”
He referenced her earlier six-month suspension from the Senate, saying she similarly attempted to challenge it through online campaigns but eventually served the suspension in full.
According to Udom, the Senate President’s suit offers Akpoti-Uduaghan the platform to finally prove the allegations she has repeatedly made.
“If she has any evidence, this is the moment to bring it forward,” he said. “She should file her defence and allow the court to determine the truth.
He added that the law operates on facts and procedure, “not emotion and not theatrics.”
The case is expected to continue now that substituted service has been completed. Akpoti-Uduaghan, for her part, has welcomed the suit and vowed to prove her allegations in court.
The confrontation between the two lawmakers is shaping up to be one of the most watched legal battles of the political season, with implications for accountability narratives and the conduct of public officials.