Harassment saga: I considered Akpabio a family friend — Natasha’s husband breaks silence

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, High Chief Emmanuel O, Uduaghan, has broken his silence over the allegations of sexual harassment made by his wife against Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

High Chief Uduaghan, in a statement made available to Tribune Online, explained that his wife confided in him about her interactions with the Senate President, saying he considered him a family friend.

According to the Alema of Warri Kingdom, he had resolved to refrain from commenting on the saga but for recent development which compelled him to issue a statement. “It is clear certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values,” he said.

Continuing, the High Chief described his Natasha as a devoted wife who “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.

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“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.

“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tribune Online reports that Senate President Akpabio’s wife has slammed lawsuits on the Kogi Central Senator following sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, demanding N250 billion compensation.