Former presidential spokesman Reuben Abati has described remarks made by ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as defamatory.
Atiku, in an interview with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie of Untold Stories, accused Akpabio of corruption and a history of abusing women. He claimed the Senate President had a long-standing reputation for misconduct, saying:
“Not only is he corrupt, but he is also in the habit of abusing women. I was not surprised that the state of emergency passed in the National Assembly because I know that the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for saying that. They could do anything. The Senate President has been known for such behavior even when he was a governor.”
However, responding during Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati warned that Atiku’s statements could have legal consequences.
“In the interview Waziri of Adamawa had with Adesuwa, two major things stood out. First, he accused Akpabio of having issues with women and being in the habit of abusing them. Second, he claimed Akpabio was guilty of corruption. I hope Waziri realizes that such statements are defamatory because Akpabio may decide to challenge him to provide evidence, especially since he has not been convicted in that regard.”
Atiku’s comments come amid sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio by Kogi West Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator alleged that Akpabio denied her certain privileges after she rejected his advances.
