Esther Salifu
The wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Unoma Akpabio, has taken legal action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filing two separate lawsuits at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The lawsuits allege defamation and violation of fundamental human rights, seeking ₦251 billion in compensation and damages.
The legal action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that Akpabio sexually harassed her and deliberately blocked her motions in the Senate due to her rejection of his advances. Akpabio’s wife denies these allegations, stating that her husband is a disciplined man who respects women .
“My husband is a disciplined man who respects women,” she said.
In the first lawsuit, Akpabio’s wife accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false and scandalous statements that caused emotional trauma to her and her children. She seeks ₦250 billion in compensation and a perpetual injunction to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further damaging claims.
In the second lawsuit, Akpabio’s wife challenges Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that her husband made sexual advances towards her. She describes the allegations as false, malicious, and damaging, seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a public apology in two national newspapers.
The controversy between the two lawmakers began over a seating position change in the Senate chamber, which Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, leading to a brief disruption during a plenary session. The Senate referred her case to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a ₦100 billion lawsuit against Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, for defamation. The court has yet to fix a date for the hearing of all these suits.
