The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday apologised to the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for comparing her conduct in the Senate to that of a nightclub.
Recall that Akpabio had last Thursday cautioned Natasha with a comment perceived as derogatory, leading to widespread social media backlash. The incident underscores the need for respectful discourse in Nigeria’s Senate.
The incident occurred when Akpabio called for votes on a bill’s second reading, to which the ‘Nay’ response was loudest. As Akpabio considered his next step, Senator Natasha stood to explain why she and others opposed the bill.
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“Mr. President, we don’t want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification,” Natasha said.
In response, Akpabio remarked, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub.”
Natasha apologised and returned to her seat.
Akpabio has since come under fire from many Nigerians on the social media space, with many faulting his utterance.
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But presiding over plenary on Tuesday, the Senate President was remorseful, saying he would never deliberately denigrate a woman.
According to Akpabio, he never intended to insult Senator Natasha.
“Distinguished Senator Natasaha, I want to apologise to you. I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, and I always pray that God will uplift women,” he said.
“The interest shown in the 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 practise with decorum. We won’t, out of anger, regulate social media.”
I have only one wife – Akpabio
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied a social media report alleging he has numerous girlfriends.
The allegation started following Akpabio’s controversial remark to the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti, on the floor of the Senate.
An Instagram blog released Akpabio’s phone numbers and that of his wife, including a list of the names of some female Nigerian celebrities, alleging they are side chics to the Senate President.
Speaking on the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio denied the allegation, stating he only has one wife and she is enough for him.
He said, “I have only one wife and she is enough for me.”
Recall that a controversial blogger, Gistlover set the internet abuzz after releasing names of some side chics of the Senate President which included Nancy Isime, Hilda Baci, Wanneka, Ini Edo, Dakore Egbuson, among others.
Nollywood actress, Dakore Egbuson-Akande has denied rumours of having an affair with Godswill Akpabio.
In a post on her Instagram page on Monday night, the movie star described the allegations as a wicked lie, noting she has never met Akpabio.
Dakore said she would not accept the unfounded lie and threatened legal action against the blog for trying to tarnish her image.
The thespian also promised to give anyone who could provide evidence of her affair with Akpabio the sum of N5 million.
