The Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan has said Despites considering the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio a family friend, he won’t trade his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for him.
To this end, he called on the Senate and Akpabio to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues.
Uduaghan, in a statement issued on Saturday said he had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between his wife and Akpabio, however, recent developments have compelled him to issue this statement.
Uduaghan noted: “Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasise that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivery quality representation to her district and the nation at large.”
Uduaghan stressed that it was clear that certain sentiments were being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
“Uduaghan noted that his wife had confided in him about her interactions with Akpabio whom he “considered a family friend.”
He said in response, he approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it was his duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony.
Uduaghan added: “I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honouring 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.
“She is a devoted wife, and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.”