‘I won’t trade my wife for anything,’ Natasha’s husband warns Senate President Akpabio
Husband of Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has defended his wife following her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Last week, the Kogi senator and Akpabio had clashed at the upper chamber over seating arrangements.
Subsequently, in an interview on Arise TV on Friday February 28, Natasha, representing Kogi Central, alleged that the Senate President made sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom state. She added that she is being victimised because she did not give in.
Akpabio’s wife has released a statement defending her husband and also went the legal route.
On Saturday, March 1, Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, also defended his wife. He said his wife Natasha had confided in him about her “interactions” with the Senate President and he met with him, yet nothing has changed.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Below is the full text of the statement:
STATEMENT BY THE ALEMA OF WARRI, HIGH CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
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 the 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 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 honouring 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 I 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 ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
ALEMA OF WARRI
