Senate Sexual Harassment: I stand with my wife, she’s woman of truth – Husband of Sen. Natasha

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

After a long silence and subsequent reaction by Mrs Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate president Godswill Akpabio, over an alleged sexual harassment, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has affirmed that he stands with his wife.

Chief Uduaghan maintained that her embattled wife Senator Natasha Akpoti indeed has integrity and is a woman of truth.

Senator Natasha Akpoti, 45, who currently represent Kogi Central in the Senate had a face-off with the Senate President Akpabio during Senate plenary over seating arrangements.

On Friday, during a live conversation on Arise TV, Natasha accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her.

Immediately, the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio sued Natasha for defamation.

Saturday evening, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan broke his silence and issued a statement saying he stands with his wife.

Chief Udughan maintained, in the statement titled “Statement by High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan,” that his wife has integrity and she is a woman of truth.

He also disclosed what he discussed with Senator Akpabio in private on the sexual harassment allegations.

His statement revealed as thus:

“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.”