Emmanuel Uduaghan, husband of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has confirmed that his wife shared details of her interactions with Senate President Godswill Akpabio with him.
Mr Uduaghan, a traditional chief of the Warri Kingdom in Delta State, stated that he initially handled the matter with diplomacy and respect, considering Akpabio a family friend.
He revealed in a statement on Saturday that he sought an amicable resolution by privately engaging the Senate President.
“My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony,” he said.
Recounting his discussion with Akpabio, Mr Uduaghan explained that he urged him to treat his wife with the courtesy and respect befitting a sitting senator, believing that their past friendship could help resolve the situation peacefully.
“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,” he said.
Mr Uduaghan noted that his wife continued to express concerns about ongoing harassment from Akpabio, suggesting that the issue remained unresolved despite his intervention.
“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” he added.
During an interview with Arise Television on Friday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on 8 December 2023.
She alleged that the Senate President took her by the hand, led her around his house, and made sexual advances toward her in the presence of her husband.
She further claimed that on another occasion, Akpabio insinuated that she should “take care of him” if she wanted her motions to receive favourable consideration on the Senate floor.
However, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, dismissed the allegations and filed two defamation lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding N350 billion in damages for tarnishing her husband’s reputation.
On Friday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also weighed in on Saturday, advising Akpabio to submit himself for an open investigation to ensure fairness and transparency.
Despite the controversy, Mr Uduaghan reaffirmed his trust and confidence in his wife, expressing his unwavering commitment to their marriage.
“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,” he added.
He called on the Senate to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves while allowing the courts and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations.
“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.”
Mr Uduaghan also decried what he described as unnecessary sentiments being stirred around the case, which he believes are diverting attention from the real allegations.
“It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.”
He further stressed that his wife was elected by the people of Kogi Central because of their trust and confidence in her leadership.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasise that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her, and she is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the nation at large. She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity,” Mr Uduaghan said.
