…Insists petitions were filed in the national interest
Professor Sandra Chidinma Duru, a Nigerian-American academic and civic advocate, has dismissed what she described as attempts to distract her with “false narratives and personal attacks,” reiterating that her actions were guided solely by evidence, conscience, and a commitment to justice.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Duru said she remains an independent petitioner and complainant, stressing that she does not act on behalf of any political office holder or interest group. “I act for no one, not the Senate President, not the President, and not any political interest,” she said, adding that she requires no inducement to exercise her constitutional and civic responsibilities.
Duru criticised what she described as the continued fabrication of stories by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters, alleging that such narratives unfairly implicate national leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, without a factual basis. She maintained that patriotism demands speaking up when the country’s reputation is at stake.
“I will never cease standing for the truth or pursuing justice, anywhere and at any time, no matter who is involved,” she said.
Addressing the substance of her petitions, Duru stated that she had never met the Senate President but reported what she described as grave allegations—including murder, organ harvesting, and human rights violations—after they were submitted to her by Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to her, she rejected attempts to “weaponise gender and media narratives” and promptly reported the allegations to relevant authorities.
She further claimed that authenticated forensic analysis confirmed that audio recordings linked to the matter were genuine, unaltered, and not generated by artificial intelligence. Duru alleged that the recordings showed coordination of attacks against the President and the Senate President, insisting that her focus remains accountability, the rule of law, and human dignity.
“Nigeria cannot tolerate repeat offenders shielded by political interference,” she said, calling for due process to prevail “without fear or favour.”
Duru also rejected engagement with what she termed “provocations” from critics, stating that she is working with appropriate government agencies to resolve the matter and prevent what she described as potential international embarrassment for Nigeria. She added that international law enforcement agencies are familiar with her record, which she described as clean.
The controversy continues to generate public debate, with calls from various quarters for transparency and adherence to due process as investigations proceed.
