By Kolawole Ojebisi
The suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district of Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dissociated herself from a viral audio and video purportedly featuring her holding a conversation with a supposed journalist, where she claimed that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, allegedly pressurized President Bola Tinubu to have her imprisoned.
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she did not at anytime grant an interview to make such assertion, describing the materials as “a deliberate act of misinformation” crafted to present her in a bad light and destabilise the leadership of the National Assembly.
This is contained in a statement issued by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media aide, Israel Arogbonlo on Thursday morning and personally signed by the embattled lawmaker.
The statement partly read, “I categorically and unequivocally dissociate myself from this video and audio recording. At no time did I grant such an interview or hold any such conversation with a journalist or anyone else. The voice in the recording is not mine — it has been cloned and manipulated with clear malicious intent.
“This is a calculated attempt to mislead the public, damage my reputation, and stir division within the leadership of the National Assembly and the Federal Government. It is not only mischievous and criminal but also a dangerous abuse of technology to spread falsehood.”
Continuing, the Kogi politician reaffirmed her commitment to truth, justice, and responsible democratic engagement.
She stressed that her legal team and relevant security agencies have begun investigation to get to the roots of the doctored content and ensure those behind it are fished out and punished accordingly.
“The general public is advised to treat the circulating video and audio as entirely false and misleading. This is the work of desperate individuals intent on smearing the image of a law-abiding, peace-loving public servant.
“I remain steadfast in my service to the people and urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against coordinated campaigns of disinformation and digital impersonation aimed at creating unnecessary political tension.”
