A coalition of civil society organisations has said Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan now has a “golden opportunity” to prove her allegations against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following a N200bn libel suit filed against her.

Akpabio’s suit follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations of sexual harassment and gender-based injustice against him, a claim he denies.

The suit, lodged before the Federal Capital Territory High Court with case number FCT/HC/CV/3356/2025, accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making defamatory comments across television, radio and online platforms.

In those reports, she allegedly described Akpabio as a “predator who exploited his position for personal gratification.”

Reacting to the development, Nigeria Integrity Watch, a coalition of civic groups, welcomed the lawsuit and said it provides a lawful avenue to resolve the dispute.

Dr John Samuel Nangi, National Convener of NIW, in a statement on Saturday,said the matter was “strictly personal and private” between both senators.

“This is a civil way of ending the matter.

“It offers Senator Akpoti a crucial opportunity to clear her name and bring the case to a judicial conclusion.”

Nangi emphasised that neither the Senate nor the Federal Government is involved in the dispute.

He added, “Senator Akpabio has the right to seek recourse when he feels injured by allegations. Similarly, this is an opportunity for she who alleged to prove her case.”

The NIW convener urged both parties to respect the court process and avoid litigating their grievances in the media.

“This case belongs in court and not before journalists,” he said.

Nangi noted that Nigerians were more concerned about pressing national issues than political drama, urging both sides to allow the judiciary determine the matter instead of media drama to seek unnecessary publicity and sympathy.