Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a public apology to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, following controversial remarks he made last week.
Akpabio had previously told Akpoti-Uduaghan not to speak like she was in a “night club” after she spoke without being recognized by the Senate President.
The incident with Akpoti-Uduaghan is not isolated. Weeks earlier, Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was shut down when she protested her exclusion from the affairs of the nation’s capital.
On the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio emphasized that he would never intentionally denigrate any woman.
He shared that both his phone and his wife’s phone have been inundated with calls and text messages, many of which were insults.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women,” Akpabio stated.
“Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologize to you. The interest shown on social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward. Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t out of anger regulate social media.”
Akpabio also took the opportunity to address rumors circulating on social media, specifically denying claims that he has “numerous girlfriends.” He clarified, “I have only one wife and she is enough for me.”
