By Abiola Olawale
High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and husband to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly accused the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio of continuing to harass his wife despite a prior understanding.
In a statement released on Saturday, Uduaghan revealed that he had met with Akpabio, whom he described as a long-standing family friend, to address concerns raised by his wife about inappropriate behaviour
He said that during the meeting both parties had initially agreed to settle the matter in a manner that would preserve dignity and mutual respect.
However, Uduaghan expressed disappointment that despite this agreement, his wife, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State at the Senate, continued to face alleged harassment from the Senate President.
The statement reads in part: “I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves while also honouring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect.
“I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.
“I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues.”
This comes after Natasha had accused Akpabio of making unwanted, inappropriate advances towards her during official engagements.
The controversy first gained public attention when Senator Natasha, in an interview, alleged that her troubles in the Senate escalated after she rebuffed advances from Akpabio, including an incident she claimed occurred in December 2023 while on assignment in Akwa Ibom State.
The allegations have since led to a series of legal and public confrontations, including defamation lawsuits filed by Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, against Natasha, demanding billions in damages for reputational harm.
