“I Went To Akpabio, Asked Him To Extend Respect To My Wife” –  Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Husband

By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, has declared his wife a woman of truth.

Chief Uduaghan, the “Alema of Warri Kingdom”, was weighing in for the first time since the clash between his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In his statement dated 2nd March 2025, Chief Uduaghan said he was not unaware of what had, for months, been happening between his wife and Akpabio.

He said his wife had, all along, been briefing him on her harassment by the Senate President.

He disclosed that since he considered Akpabio a family friend, and given his status as a traditional leader, he chose the path of peace by approaching the Senate President to extend coutesy and respect to his wife, as well as treat her with the dignity she deserves.

However, he said, his approach seem not to have worked as she continued to complain to him about Akpabio’s attitude towards her.

A few days ago, it boiled over on the floor of the Senate  when both clashed over allocation of seats in the Chambers at Plenary.

Akpabio ordered that Akpoti-Uduaghan be walked out of the Senate. The situation deteriorated when an Akpabio Aide, Patrick Mfon, posted alleged derogatory statements he on Social Media. In response, the Senator sued Akpabio, Mfon and the Federal Government to the tune N100bn for general damages over alleged defamation, and also the sum of  N300m for legal fees.

But the sh*t hit the fan when she followed up with an interview on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” where disclosed that the problem between her and Akpabio goes beyond allocation of seats. She sensationally revealed that her rejection of Akpabio’s inappropriate demand from her was at the root of the mistreatment and intimidation and discrimination she had been enduring in Akpabio’s hands.

Stung, Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, at a press conference she addressed on February the 28th declared her husband a responsible man who Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was out to blackmai and create content with the allegation of se€ual harassment against him. She then sued the Senator to the tune of N250bn for emotional blackmail.

What worried her most was that the two families have a close relationship.

In the evening of Saturday, Ist March, High Chief Uduaghan took a stand by his wife. He emphasized that the serious issues raised by his wife should no be confused with frivolities. He, then, asked that his wife, whom he described as loving and devoted, be allowed by Senator Akpabio to do the work for which she was duly elected by her people, while the issues involved are being sorted out by the authorities and the Courts.

Following is the full text of the statement which he personally signed.

“I had, initially, refrained 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 delivering 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 uphols 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 the 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.

High Chief Emmanuel O.Uduaghan