In an unprecedented move that has stunned political circles, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy between his wife and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The statement, released on Saturday March 1, 2025, sheds new light on the growing tensions within the Nigerian Senate, adding a personal dimension to the political conflict.
Uduaghan’s statement comes at a time when allegations of harassment and power struggles have dominated headlines, drawing significant public attention.
While the dispute has already sparked significant debate, Uduaghan’s words reveal the depth of the personal and political intricacies at play.
High Chief Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, expressed disappointment that his wife’s ongoing battle with Akpabio had become the subject of unnecessary public sentiment.
He suggested that rather than focusing on the gravity of the accusations, there was an unhealthy amount of distraction, one that, according to him, could cloud the real issues at hand.
“My wife has been elected by her people with immense love, respect, and trust,” Uduaghan emphasized.
“She is committed to representing her district and the nation with the utmost dedication. She is a devoted wife, and our bond is unwavering.”
It’s clear from his statement that Uduaghan holds his wife in high regard, asserting that she is a figure of integrity who remains steadfast even in adversity.
His defense of her loyalty, both to him and her constituents, is evident throughout the release.
However, Uduaghan also disclosed that the matter has escalated beyond what he initially expected.
He mentioned a personal conversation with Akpabio, in which he had urged the Senate President to extend respect to his wife, respect he believed was due not only because of their shared history but also as a matter of fairness and basic courtesy.
“We reached an understanding,” Uduaghan said, “but my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has faced.”
This admission raises questions about the true nature of the conflict and the extent to which it has permeated the upper echelons of Nigerian politics.
It also casts doubt on the effectiveness of any private resolution, leaving many to wonder whether the issue is being downplayed or whether the matter at hand is much more serious than initially portrayed.
Uduaghan’s statement reflects both a personal and political plea: he calls on the Senate to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves, while also emphasizing that the legal process should be allowed to unfold without further public interference.
His words seem to serve as a cautionary reminder to both the public and the political elite that personal relationships and professional responsibilities must coexist, without one overshadowing the other.
By urging the Senate President and the Senate itself to maintain decorum, Uduaghan is not only defending his wife’s honor but also presenting himself as a protector of both family values and political propriety.
In the wake of this public revelation, all eyes will be on the Nigerian Senate to see whether the internal conflict between Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will reach a resolution, or whether this powerful family dispute will further fuel an already contentious political atmosphere.
As the court processes continue, Uduaghan’s plea underscores a broader narrative: one in which family, loyalty, and respect play a critical role in navigating the complex intersection of politics and personal relationships.
The coming days will likely determine how these tensions play out on the national stage, and whether the Senate’s handling of the issue will ultimately reflect the dignity and respect that Uduaghan insists his wife deserves.
