- Treat My Wife With Respect – Natasha’s Husband
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- I Have Concrete Evidence, Stay Out Of My Way – Natasha to Akpabio’s Wife
- Natasha, Akpabio Should Submit To Probe – Saraki
The Nigerian Senate has found itself at the center of a growing storm as the conflict between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) intensifies.
What initially appeared to be a political disagreement has now spiraled into a legal and ethical controversy, with allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and defamation making headlines across the nation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan first made waves when she publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of sexually harassing her and deliberately undermining her legislative work after she rejected his alleged advances.
In an interview with Arise Television, she recounted disturbing instances where Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate remarks and attempted to manipulate her political standing within the Senate.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the tensions began following an incident on December 8, 2023, during Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. While on a tour of his residence with her husband, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio held her hand and made a suggestive remark, saying:
“Now that you’re a senator, I will create time for us to spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.”
Feeling uncomfortable, she pulled away just as her husband approached. Later, she confided in her husband, who advised her never to visit the Senate President’s residence alone.
Following her rejection of Akpabio’s alleged advances, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that the Senate President actively sought to stifle her legislative contributions.
She claimed that he blocked motions she introduced, including one calling for an investigation into corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
She also recounted an unsettling conversation with Akpabio in which he reportedly told her:
“Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.”She dismissed his remarks and left his office. However, she noted that the motion in question was only addressed when Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presided over the session in Akpabio’s absence.
As the controversy gained momentum, Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, stepped forward to defend her husband and challenge Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims in court. Dismissing the allegations as baseless and defamatory, she insisted that her husband was a disciplined man with the utmost respect for women.
During a press conference in Abuja, Ekaette Akpabio stated:
“Security men are always with the Senate President. That night, the house was full—constituents, Akwa Ibom people, and others were present. He is a disciplined man who respects me, our children, and his family values.”
She further highlighted that during Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, many women were appointed to significant roles, and none had ever accused him of misconduct.
In response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, Ekaette Akpabio filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, arguing that the senator’s claims had inflicted severe emotional and psychological distress upon her and her children.
Her lawsuit demands:
- A restraining order preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further “spiteful” statements.
- N250 billion in damages for alleged harm to her family’s reputation.
- A public apology, to be published in two national newspapers.
- An additional N1 billion for defamation.
- A perpetual injunction barring Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further defamatory remarks.
Refusing to be silenced, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her claims, insisting she has concrete evidence to support her allegations.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Ekaette Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, the senator warned the Senate President’s wife against interfering in the matter.
The letter, 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,”emphasized that the accusations were personal to Akpabio and that he should be left to defend himself.
As tensions escalate, Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and husband to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has spoken out against the alleged harassment his wife has faced at the hands of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Uduaghan revealed that he had initially chosen to remain silent on the matter but felt compelled to speak following recent developments.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as unwarranted sentiments being stirred to divert attention from the core allegations—a situation he believes should alarm every individual who upholds strong family values.
“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 stated.
Affirming his wife’s integrity, Uduaghan described Natasha as a principled, fearless public servant and a devoted wife. He emphasized that she has always stood for the truth, even when faced with adversity.
“My wife is a woman of integrity and conviction. She has never shied away from standing for what is right, no matter the opposition. Those who elected her did so because of their immense love, respect, and confidence in her leadership. She remains committed to delivering quality representation, both to her district and to the nation as a whole,” he added.
Uduaghan disclosed that Natasha had confided in him about her unsettling encounters with Akpabio, whom he once regarded as a close family friend. He did not shy away from highlighting his disappointment, stating that he expected a higher level of decorum and professionalism from the Senate President.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I must express my disappointment over the manner in which this situation has escalated. My wife was elected by her people based on merit, and she deserves to carry out her duties without intimidation. No woman—regardless of her status—should be subjected to undue pressure in any professional or political environment.”
He further urged Akpabio to extend the same level of respect to his own wife, Ekaette Akpabio, that he expects from others.
“As a leader and a family man, Senator Akpabio must lead by example. He should accord his wife the same respect and dignity that my wife, Natasha, deserves. Mutual respect should be a given, not a request,” Uduaghan stated.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has stepped in, urging the Senate to uphold transparency and accountability in handling the matter.
In a statement posted on his official X page, Saraki warned that the conflict could undermine the integrity of the legislative body if not handled properly.
“I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution.”
Saraki called for an open, transparent, and unbiased investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
He stressed that the Senate’s reputation must be protected, warning that failure to properly investigate the allegations could make the legislative body appear complicit in sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office.
Drawing from his own experience, Saraki recounted how he voluntarily submitted himself to an investigationduring his tenure as Senate President when he was accused of importing an official vehicle without paying customs duty.
He emphasized that an open inquiry cleared his name and protected the integrity of the Senate.
“The decision to allow an open investigation and subject myself to it was not an easy one. It was humbling, but I realized that was the best decision, and in the end, I am happy I traveled that route,” he stated.
Saraki clarified that he was not taking sides but advocating for due process and a fair resolution.
“Let me make it clear without any ambiguity that I am neither stating that Akpabio is guilty of anything nor am I expressing the opinion that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is right in her actions and claims. My position is that an investigation is needed to find out the truth and protect the integrity of the Senate.”
With multiple legal battles, public scrutiny, and political tensions running high, the Akpabio-Akpoti-Uduaghan feud is far from over. Will the Senate heed Saraki’s call for a transparent investigation, or will power politics overshadow the pursuit of justice?
Meanwhile, the Senate President is yet to respond to the issues as they unfold in the new week
