Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Husband Demands Apology from Senator Nwebonyi Over Marriage Claims

Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the husband of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has issued a stern demand for a public apology from Ebonyi North Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi following his controversial comments regarding their marriage. Nwebonyi, who has been defending Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid sexual harassment allegations by the Kogi senator, recently alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan married her husband under duress.

In a letter dated March 27, Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ehiogie West-Idahosa, gave Senator Nwebonyi a 14-day ultimatum to issue a written apology and ensure its wide circulation across media platforms. Failure to comply, the letter warned, would result in legal action.

The conflict stems from Nwebonyi’s comments during a recent interview on News Central Television, where he claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan had blackmailed her husband into marriage. He went as far as to allege that their union was a product of coercion. “She threatened to sue the man. I have a letter circulated over the world that the man should pay her N10 billion or marry her under duress,” Nwebonyi stated.

Nwebonyi’s comments, which also cast aspersions on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s character and past relationships, were widely shared on social media, drawing backlash and causing distress to the couple. His statements came amidst his active defense of Senate President Akpabio, who has been accused of sexual harassment by the Kogi senator. Nwebonyi has positioned himself as a key supporter of Akpabio, even appearing at hearings concerning the allegations.

In the letter, Uduaghan’s lawyer vehemently denied the accusations, describing the couple as highly respected members of Nigerian society. The lawyer emphasized Uduaghan’s status as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and Warri Kingdom chief, while also stating Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s achievements as a politician and advocate for the marginalized. The letter further pointed out the damage caused by Nwebonyi’s defamatory statements, which have led to significant reputational harm among family, friends, and associates.

“Contrary to the malicious words spoken by you, our clients are very respectable, successful, result-oriented, and self-decision-driven members of Nigerian society,” the legal counsel stated. “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a successful Nigerian politician, opinion moulder, and defender of the needy, admired at home and abroad.”

The lawyer demanded that the apology be aired on News Central Television and disseminated across all social media platforms that carried Nwebonyi’s defamatory remarks. If Nwebonyi fails to meet these demands, legal action will be initiated to seek redress for the harm caused.

“We hereby demand a written apology from you within 14 days from the date of your receipt of this letter,” the counsel’s letter concluded. “Failing a satisfactory response from you, our instruction is to initiate the necessary legal process to seek redress for our clients.”

As of now, Nwebonyi has not publicly responded to the demand.