Senator Natasha Tells Ekaette Akpabio to “Let Her Husband Defend Himself”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has asked Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to stay out of the ongoing allegations against her husband.

In an interview on Arise TV, Natasha accused the Senate President of making advances to her during visits to his office and residence in Akwa Ibom. She claimed that during a visit to Akpabio’s residence on December 8, 2023, he held her hand and made suggestive comments, even in the presence of her husband. She also alleged that Akpabio told her to “take care of him” so her motions would get consideration on the Senate floor.

When Ekaette Akpabio reacted to the allegations, she described them as false, saying her husband is a disciplined and respectful man. She said her husband has always respected women and supported their inclusion in governance even before he became Senate President.

In her response to Ekaette’s intervention, Akpoti, through her lawyer Victor Giwa sent a letter dated March 1st advising her to stay out of the matter.

The letter reads:

“My client is not interested in calling you out into this unfortunate saga concerning her allegations against the Senate President and wishes you will not indulge yourself in this obscenity. She has tolerated all the harassment from the Senate President but was constrained to reveal the torture and victimization she has suffered in the Red Chambers.”

Akpoti also said the allegations are personal to the Senate President and she believes he can defend himself without his wife’s help.

“My client has evidence to back up her allegations. We will suggest you leave the defense of the allegations to the Senate President to save your sanity and that of your family.”

The senator’s letter urged Ekaette to focus on her mind rather than getting involved in the matter. She further said, “This is strictly between my client and Akpabio. Leave the matter to her and her husband.”

In a new development, Ekaette Akpabio has instituted two defamation suits against Natasha, asking for N350 billion in damages for the damage to her husband’s image. She claimed that the allegations have put her and her children in emotional and psychological distress and they are living in perpetual fear and threat since the alleged incident became public.

Natasha, however, remains adamant, she said she has concrete evidence to back up her claims. She also instituted a defamation suit against the Senate President and his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, seeking N100 billion in damages over a Facebook post allegedly made by the aide.

The Senate has referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for investigation. The committee chaired by Senator Neda Emasuen has two weeks to submit its report.