In a startling revelation, High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly confirmed that he is aware of repeated sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio toward his wife.
In a strongly worded statement issued on March 1, 2025, Uduaghan disclosed that his wife had confided in him about her disturbing interactions with Akpabio, whom he previously regarded as a family friend. According to Uduaghan, he personally confronted Akpabio on the matter, urging him to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves.
However, despite his intervention, the harassment allegedly persisted, pushing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the point of public outcry.
Also Read : Natasha Akpoti Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Family, and Net Worth
A Husband’s Plea for Respect and Dignity
High Chief Uduaghan stated that he initially chose to remain silent on the issue but was compelled to speak due to the growing sentiments and distractions that were taking attention away from the serious allegations at hand.
“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.”
He expressed his firm support for his wife, emphasizing that she was duly elected by her people because of their love, respect, and confidence in her ability to represent them effectively.
“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.”
Confronting Akpabio: A Traditional Leader’s Attempt to Resolve the Issue
High Chief Uduaghan revealed that upon learning about Akpabio’s alleged advances, he personally met with the Senate President in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
“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, fosters peace, and promotes harmony.”
He stated that he had respectfully urged Akpabio to treat his wife with the dignity she deserves while also acknowledging their long-standing friendship.
“We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably,” he said.
However, despite this supposed agreement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continues to experience harassment, according to her husband.
Senator Natasha’s Public Outcry
In recent weeks, Senator Natasha has become increasingly vocal about the challenges she faces in the Senate, with reports indicating that she has repeatedly called out Senate President Akpabio for harassment and intimidation.
Her husband confirmed that her frustration over the unresolved issue is what led to her public outcry, as she could no longer endure the emotional distress and humiliation.
“Despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” Uduaghan lamented.
The statement has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians calling for an immediate investigation into Akpabio’s alleged misconduct.
Calls for Justice and Senate Intervention
High Chief Uduaghan concluded his statement by calling on the Nigerian Senate and the Senate President to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves.
“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.
His statement has intensified public scrutiny on the alleged harassment claims, with many Nigerians questioning whether the Senate leadership will address the matter or allow it to escalate further.
Reactions and Growing Pressure on Akpabio
Since the release of Uduaghan’s statement, public figures, activists, and political analysts have weighed in on the controversy, with some calling for Akpabio’s resignation if the allegations are proven true.
Human rights organizations have also demanded that the Senate Ethics Committee launch an independent investigation into the allegations.
Key Reactions from Nigerians
| Stakeholder | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Civil Rights Groups | Demand a probe into the allegations |
| Opposition Lawmakers | Call for Akpabio to step aside during investigation |
| Women’s Advocacy Groups | Express concern over harassment in government offices |
| Nigerian Public | Debate on social media over the truth of the claims |
Many Nigerians have also drawn parallels between this case and previous allegations of sexual misconduct in Nigerian politics, highlighting a wider issue of abuse of power by top government officials.
The Bigger Picture: Women in Nigerian Politics and Gender-Based Harassment
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is not an isolated one. Many women in Nigerian politics and governance have spoken about facing intimidation, gender bias, and harassment in their political careers.
Some argue that this controversy presents an opportunity to push for stronger legal protections against harassment in political offices, ensuring that female leaders can serve without fear of discrimination or abuse.
Challenges Faced by Women in Politics
| Challenges | Impact |
|---|---|
| Gender-based harassment | Discourages female participation in politics |
| Power dynamics | Makes it difficult to report harassment |
| Lack of legal protections | No clear consequences for offenders |
| Societal stigma | Victims fear public backlash |
This ongoing scandal could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly if the Nigerian Senate takes decisive action in addressing the allegations.
What Happens Next? Possible Legal and Political Implications
With public pressure mounting and Uduaghan’s statement gaining widespread attention, all eyes are now on the Senate leadership and relevant authorities to see how they will respond.
Potential next steps include:
- Senate Investigation: If lawmakers push for accountability, Akpabio may be summoned to answer to the allegations.
- Legal Proceedings: If Senator Natasha files a formal complaint, the case may be taken to court for legal redress.
- Political Fallout: Depending on the outcome, Akpabio’s political future could be affected, especially if he faces public backlash or calls for resignation.
For now, Nigerians await further developments as the scandal unfolds.
Editor’s Note: A Call for Accountability and Justice
The allegations made by High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape.
With growing calls for justice and accountability, the way this case is handled could shape the future of gender rights and political ethics in Nigeria.
While Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains steadfast in her public condemnation of harassment, her husband’s statement serves as a powerful message of support—one that may ultimately force the Senate and relevant authorities to take action.
As the controversy deepens, one question remains: Will the Nigerian political system uphold justice, or will this be another case of power protecting power?
This is a developing story—stay tuned for more updates.
