By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Senator representing Kogi Central in the 10th Senate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has asked Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the embattled Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to restrain herself from getting involved in the alleged sexual advances saga involving her husband, describing it as “obscene circumstances.”
The Daily Crucible had earlier reported that in an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleged that Akpabio made sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
The Senate President’s wife, who filed fundamental rights and defamation suits against the senator, said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were “lies” noting that her husband is a disciplined man.
In the suits marked CV/814/25 and CV/816/25, the wife of the Senate President demanded N250 billion and N100 billion in general damages, respectively.
Mrs Akpabio claimed the allegations against her husband had caused her and the children emotional and psychological trauma.
According to her, the allegations have been made public, exposing her family to constant fear and threat to their lives.
The senate president’s wife then asked the court to declare the allegations defamatory and violation of her husband’s fundamental rights.
She also prayed the court to restrain Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan and her associates from making defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.
Not done, Mrs Akpabio urged the court to compel Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction and tender an unconditional apology to the senate president which should be published in two national newspapers.
She requested the court to award a total of N350 billion in damages against the senator as compensation.
The Daily Crucible reports that earlier, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a defamation lawsuit against the senate president and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick.
She is seeking N100 billion in damages and an additional N300 million in litigation costs over a Facebook post allegedly made by Mr Patrick.
However, in a letter dated March 1 and addressed to Akpabio’s wife, the Kogi senator, through Victor Giwa, her lawyer, said she is not “desirous” of involving Ekaette in the “unfortunate” saga.
The Kogi senator advised Ekaette to consider her sanity and allow Akpabio defend himself against the allegations.
“Our client is not desirous of calling you out into the unfortunate saga concerning her allegations against the Senate President and wishes that you restrain yourself from delving into the obscene circumstances,” the letter reads.
“While she has tolerated all the harassment from the Senate President, she was constrained to reveal the unfortunate torture and victimization she has endured in the Red Chambers.
“Consequently, we would like to state that the allegations of our client are personal to the Senate President, and our client believes the Senate President has the capacity to defend himself and refutes any of these allegations against him.
“Our client has concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations. We will suggest that you leave the defense of the allegations for the Senate President to maintain your sanity and that of your family.”
