Akpabio said after the remark, his phone and that of his wife have been bombarded with calls and text messages
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has apologised to the senator representing Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over a remark he made about her.
Last week, Akpabio cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan while the red chamber was trying to vote on a bill.
It all began when the Senate President asked those in favour of the bill to say ‘Aye’ while those against it should say ‘Nay’ during its second reading.
Akpoti-Uduaghan without being recognised by the senate president rose and gave reasons why she and some of her colleagues were against the second reading of the bill.
She said, “Mr President, we don’t want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification…”
Reacting to what he considered a rude behaviour, Akpabio replied, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub.”
Weeks prior, Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), was shut down when she protested that she was being excluded from the affairs of the nation’s capital.
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However, speaking on the floor of the senate on Tuesday, Akpabio said he would never intentionally denigrate any woman.
The senate president said his phone and that of his wife have been bombarded with calls and text messages, most of them insults.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women,” he said.
“Distinguished Senator Natasaha, I want to apologise to you.
“The interest shown In the social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward
“Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t out of anger regulate social media.” he added.
Akpabio went on to deny trending social media post which claimed he has “numerous girlfriends”.
“I have only one wife and she is enough for me,” he clarified.
