Nwebonyi Slams Report on FG Lawsuit, calls it cheap blackmail

Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has strongly denied reports alleging that the Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against him over alleged vile remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the claim as false, malicious, and politically motivated.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Romanus Uzor Ozioko, Senator Nwebonyi said the story, originally published by Sahara Reporters, was a “fabrication by mischief makers desperate for attention and relevance.”

“The report is entirely false and a product of mischief. The Federal Government has not instituted any legal action against Senator Nwebonyi. This is nothing but cheap blackmail designed to smear his name and mislead the public,” the statement declared.

Clarifying the facts, Ozioko explained that the only ongoing case related to the matter was the Federal Government’s criminal defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which remains before a competent court of law.

He noted that it was “legally illogical and procedurally impossible” for the same government to initiate a separate case against Senator Nwebonyi on the same issue.

“Senator Nwebonyi does not have any pending case with the Federal Government or any of its agencies. This publication is the handiwork of political detractors and hatchet writers bent on distracting him from his legislative duties,” the aide stated.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to disregard the report in its entirety, describing it as part of an orchestrated campaign to create unnecessary tension and public confusion.

“Senator Nwebonyi remains focused on his mandate and committed to delivering quality representation to his constituents. No amount of blackmail will distract him from his service to the Senate and the Nigerian people,” Ozioko added.

The Deputy Chief Whip reaffirmed his faith in the judiciary, the rule of law, and the unity of the National Assembly in promoting accountability, peace, and national development.