High Chief Emma Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has confirmed that he is aware of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s alleged sexual harassment of his wife.
In a statement, Uduaghan revealed that he had personally confronted Akpabio and urged him to treat his wife with respect. However, he claimed that Akpabio refused to back down, leading to Senator Natasha’s public outcry.
The controversy escalated after Senator Natasha, in a live television interview, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his advances—a claim that has dominated headlines.
In response, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, filed a N250 billion lawsuit against Senator Natasha for defamation.
Breaking his silence, Uduaghan stated on Saturday that he had made several attempts to resolve the issue privately with the Senate President but to no avail.
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.” He concluded.
