Akpabio apologises to Natasha Akpoti over ‘night club’ remark

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has apologised to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, over some remarks he made.

Last week, Akpabio told Akpoti-Uduaghan not to speak like she was in a “night club”.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had spoken without being recognised by the senate president.

Weeks prior, Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), was shut down when she protested that she was being excluded from the affairs of the nation’s capital.

Speaking on the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio said he would never intentionally denigrate any woman.

The senate president said his phone and that of his wife have been bombarded with calls and text messages, most of them insults.

“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women,” he said.

“Distinguished Senator Natasaha, I want to apologise to you.

“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 practice with decorum. We won’t out of anger regulate social media.”

Akpabio also denied social media claims that he has “numerous girlfriends”.

“I have only one wife and she is enough for me,” he said.

On Monday, the Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), a women’s group, had chided Akpabio for his alleged disrespect of female senators.