Ike Chidolue, the ex-chair of NAPAC in Texas, is urging Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to back up her claims with proof or step down from the Senate. The suspended senator from Kogi Central has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello of plotting to end her life. Chidolue shared his worries in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, responding to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Facebook post that dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live session by Dr. Sandra Duru, aka Prof. Mgbeke.
In her post, Akpoti-Uduaghan referred to a broadcast that included audio recordings and screenshots that seemed to contradict her earlier denials as ‘manipulated’ and ‘politically motivated.’ However, Chidolue responded by saying that the senator did not provide any solid evidence to back her claims. He argued that her post lacked useful facts, forensic support, and credibility. He noted, ‘What it reflects, unfortunately, is a common pattern; sensational claims quickly turn into conspiracy theories when confronted with uncomfortable truths.’
Chidolue also mentioned that if Duru’s materials are genuine, they reveal a troubling situation where a public official uses unverified accusations for political advantage. He highlighted some of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, including allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her assertion that former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello was hired to kill her. He also mentioned her claims linking the Akpabios to the 2021 death of a minor and her belief that her reassignment in the Senate was due to rejecting advances, all of which have not been proven.
Chidolue highlighted that any official reports or documents have backed up none of the serious claims made. He pointed out that whenever the senator is faced with evidence that contradicts her statements, she tends to attack the source of that information instead of addressing the evidence itself. To rebuild trust, Chidolue proposed a four-step plan. He suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan should either confirm or deny Duru’s recordings through a neutral forensic lab in a way that the public can see.
He also highlighted the need to have evidence for every claim, including court records and police reports. He recommended that if she feels she has been treated unjustly, Natasha should go to court. Moreover, he stated that if she does not provide the necessary evidence, it would be appropriate for her to publicly apologize and step down from her role in the Senate.
Chidolue stressed that public officials should not turn serious matters into emotional spectacles. When they make significant claims, they have a responsibility to provide facts instead of making dramatic statements. He stressed that Nigerians deserve transparent and honest information rather than stories and speculations. It is now her responsibility to either present evidence or resign from her position.
(NAN)
