Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said that the two defamation charges earlier filed against her by the Federal Government were deliberately and maliciously instigated by powerful individuals for their own personal interests.
Speaking to journalists at the Federal High Court shortly after the charges were struck out, the Kogi Central senator said the withdrawal of the cases has strengthened her confidence in the rule of law.
She also clarified reports circulating in the media, stressing that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not withdrawn the several lawsuits he and his wife filed against her.
“For clarity, the two cases withdrawn by the Federal Government were not among the cases the Senate President referred to in court,” she said.
“As of today, Senator Akpabio has not directed his lawyers to withdraw the multiple cases he and his wife instituted against me.”
According to her, the withdrawal of the Federal Government’s cases only confirmed what she had always believed that the charges were a deliberate attempt by two individuals who abused power to persecute her unjustly.
She, however, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for standing by the truth and directing that the cases be discontinued.
“I have always believed that Nigeria is a land of justice and that the truth will eventually prevail,” she said.
“With these cases now withdrawn, I can finally rest and fully return to my legislative duties. The past months have been very difficult.”
Senator Natasha explained that the experience was especially traumatic for her, as she had never before been invited by the police or accused of any crime, including financial misconduct or drug-related offences.
“To suddenly face two federal cases at the same time was overwhelming,” she said.
“Still, whatever does not break you makes you stronger. I was toughened by the experience, though I would not wish it on anyone. In the end, justice prevailed.”
