Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan has openly expressed support for his wife, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over the allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
He urged the Senate and Akpabio to accord his wife her deserved respect and dignity as the sexual harassment case was being investigated.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central in the Senate had, during an interview on Arise Television, accused Akpabio of harassing her sexually, a situation which has sparked the fire of controversy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the husband of the legislator, stressed the need for her wife to be treated with the respect and dignity she truly deserved while the relevant authorities and the court determined the suit filed on the issues raised against Akpabio.
He said it had become apparent that some sentiments were being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
He expressed unwavering faith in his wife’s loyalty and the he was fully committed to their 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,” Uduaghan declared.
The statement issued on Saturday by Uduaghan who is the Alema of Warri Kingdom reads:
Sperm Cells Carry Traces Of Stress Experience By Father, New Study Shows
Abducted Afenifere Youth Leader, Eniola Olajuni, Regains Freedom
Father Arrested For Brutalising Son In Viral Video
“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.”
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had, during an Arise Television interview accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her.
Reacting to the allegation which has generated controversy, Saraki, in a statement on his X handle, said his call for a thorough probe was to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking.
“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,” he stated.
Calling on the two parties – Akpabio and Natasha – to submit themselves to probe, Saraki said the constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.
He called for transparency in the probe.
His words: “I have watched from afar the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“This situation saddens me because of its negative impact on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that everyone who has been associated with the National Assembly—whether as a leader, member, or staff—should strive to protect these values, which make the institution the foremost among the three arms of government.
“For these reasons, I believe that both parties in this dispute, as well as their supporters inside and outside the chamber, should be mindful of the impact of their actions, inactions, reactions, claims, and counterclaims.
“They must ensure that nothing is done to tarnish the institution. The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter.”
He stated further: “The constitution, the country’s laws, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions and practices should be strictly followed in resolving this matter. The resolution should be conducted transparently, without any bias toward either party. The goal should be to uncover the truth and uphold the integrity of the legislative body, ensuring it is not wrongly perceived as tolerating or participating in any form of lawbreaking. This is what a transparent, open, and unbiased investigation should achieve.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent, and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. ”
“We should not allow the Senate to be cast in the shroud of an institution encouraging sexual harassment, gender bias, abuse of office, flagrant disregard for standing orders and rules, and lack of orderliness,” he warned.
Platforms Africa
