Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has demanded for 5 billion Naira in a defamation lawsuit against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Bello in a suit allegedly backdated to the 6th of February 2023 over a matter that occurred In November 2022 seeks to claim amongst others that:
“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan pay 5 billion naira to Gov. Yahaya Bello for defamation and libel over her interview on Arise TV that aired on 4th November 2022.
“In addition to the N5 billion, publish a retraction and tender apology in 5 national dailies including personal statements on Arise TV, AIT, Channels, and NTA.
“More so, grant a perpetual injunction restraining Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and anybody whosoever connects, affiliated with her as an associate, privy, agent, etc. from making defamatory words or statements against Yahaya Bello either on social media, print media, television, radio, etc.
It could be recalled that Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan appeared on Channels TV, AIT, and Arise TV in October 2022 in her defense after the Kogi state government called for her arrest in connection to sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.
Also recall Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has an ongoing 10 billion naira defamatory suit against Alh. Yahaya Bello, the government of Kogi state, and Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo.
Speaking on the development, a supporter of Akpoti-Uduaghan, Enesi Abu, said the lawsuit filed by Governor Bello was a “fallout of Tribunal upset which saw Natasha defeating his anointed candidate in the Election Petition Tribunal for Kogi Central senatorial election. “
Enesi said the lawsuit is “nothing more than jitters from the governor as Natasha’s senatorial victory at the tribunal greatly unsettled him and Kogi APC.”
“This move would further infuriate the people of Kogi Central as it is obvious Yahaya Bello is bent on executing a personal vendetta against her after retrieving her senatorial mandate at the Tribunal.
“The N5 billion lawsuit may be the only option left on the table for Bello to fight back after Natasha fought hard to defeat his influence and was declared the duly elected Senator of Kogi Central where Bello hails from,” he said.
