Chief Emmanuel Oristejolomi Uduaghan, the husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, has broken his silence over the allegations of sexual harassment made by his wife against Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
High Chief Uduaghan, who is the Aleme of Warri Kingdom made this known in a statement issued on Saturday evening.
He had initially refrained from commenting on the dispute but felt compelled to speak due to recent developments.
He explained that his wife confided in him about her interactions with the Senate President, saying he considered him a family friend.
Continuing, Chief Uduaghan emphasized that his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was duly elected by her constituents due to their immense love, respect, and confidence in her ability to deliver quality representation. He described her as a devoted wife and a truthful individual who remains steadfast even in the face of adversity.
He then urged the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves.
He also called for the relevant authorities and the court to determine the underlying issues in a fair and just manner.
The statement reads; “I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“However, recent developments have compelled me to issue this statement. 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.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize 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 delivery 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.
“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.
“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring 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.”
The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President escalated after she refused to sit in a designated seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.
The situation intensified when she appeared on Arise News on Friday, accusing Akpabio of blocking her motions, maligning her, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.
In response, Unoma, the wife of Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the allegations and asserting that both families had maintained a cordial relationship for years, even before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage. She suggested that the claims were unfounded.
However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan advised her to stay out of the matter.
The letter was titled “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family.”
She insisted that the allegations were directed only at Akpabio and that he should be the one to defend himself.
The letter said: “Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We suggest that you leave the defense of these allegations to the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.”
Meanwhile, Unoma has sued Natasha for defamation and fundamental rights infringement at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
She is demanding N350 billion from Natasha as damages.
