Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of reneging on a promise to cease alleged harassment of his wife. The dispute, initially sparked by disagreements over Senate seating arrangements, has escalated following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, claims that Akpabio obstructed her legislative motions after she rejected his purported advances. In response, Akpabio's wife, Unoma Akpabio, has filed two lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, alleging defamation and violation of fundamental human rights. The lawsuits seek substantial damages and public apologies, asserting that the senator's statements have caused emotional distress and harmed the Akpabio family's reputation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, revealed that his wife had confided in him about Akpabio's alleged advances. He stated that he confronted Akpabio, who assured him that the harassment would stop. However, Uduaghan claims that despite this agreement, the alleged harassment has persisted.
As the situation unfolds, both parties have taken legal steps to address their grievances, highlighting the deepening rift within Nigeria's legislative body.