High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan has waded into the messy feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, disclosing that she told him of her being sexually harassed by the Senate President.
Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, disclosed this in a press release on Saturday, telling Akpabio to treat his wife with respect and dignity.
According to him, he had initially refrained from commenting, but recent developments had compelled him to speak out.
Uduaghan, who is understood to be a good friend of Akpabio, pointed out however that “I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.”
He had spoken to Akpabio about the matter before and agreed with him 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,” he added.
He noted that Natasha was duly elected by the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, who have unwavering confidence in her ability to deliver quality representation.
Uduaghan’s statement read in part, He said, “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 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 deliver 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 had 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 continued to express concerns about the harassment she endured from the Senate President.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and I’m fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect.”
Senator Natasha had last week on Live Television alleged that she had been suffering in the Nigerian Senate because she rebuffed the sexual advances of Mr Akpabio.
The Senate President had yet to respond to the allegation, though his wife, Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, had during a press conference in Abuja on Friday attempted to come the defence of her husband.
That seemed not to have satisfied Nigerians, who had urged the senate president to defend himself personally.
Meanwhile, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called on Akpabio to step down to allow a proper probe of the matter.
In a statement he signed and released to journalists on Saturday, Saraki also called for respect to be accorded to the institution of the Senate as relevant authorities seek solution to the crisis currently rattling the hallowed law making body.
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