Nigerian politician and husband to actress Regina Daniels, Senator Ned Nwoko, has expressed his disappointment over the handling of the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nwoko shared his views on the dispute, particularly criticizing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband for failing to de-escalate the situation before it escalated into a public crisis.

Nwoko stated, “I was deeply disappointed by the reaction of her husband. I had expected him to find a way to de-escalate the matter, to prevent it from becoming a full-blown crisis. When he sent me his statement and reaction, I told him exactly how I felt. If my wife were in such a situation, I would do everything possible to resolve the issue privately, to manage it in a way that does not cause further division.”

He further emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband had been friends with Senate President Akpabio long before their marriage, suggesting that the issue could have been resolved amicably without the intense public fallout. “It is even more surprising because her husband has been friends with the Senate President long before he married Natasha. This could have been settled without this level of unnecessary public drama,” Nwoko added.

Debunking Claims of Gender-Based Suppression

Nwoko also refuted claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate was a case of gender-based suppression. He argued that the suspension was a matter of upholding the Senate’s rules and maintaining the institution’s dignity, rather than an attempt to silence opposition voices.

“It is disingenuous to claim that this is a case of gender-based suppression when the facts point to a different reality. The real danger is allowing the rules to be bent simply because a particular lawmaker chooses to play the victim card when confronted with the consequences of their actions,” he stated.

Nwoko stressed that the Senate’s actions were about ensuring that all members adhere to the same standards of conduct. “This is not about suppressing opposition or silencing voices; it is about maintaining the dignity of the institution and ensuring that every member adheres to the same standards of conduct,” he explained.

Sexual Harassment Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Addressing the sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Akpabio, Nwoko clarified that the Senate did not deliberate on the matter, as it is currently before the courts and the United Nations. He expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Akpoti-Uduaghan winning the case, noting that the alleged incident occurred over a year ago and was not reported to the Senate, police, or any other authority at the time.

“One thing that must be made clear is that the Senate did not deliberate on any sexual harassment allegations. That matter is before the courts, and the courts will decide. It is highly unlikely that she will win such a case, because the alleged incident supposedly happened over a year ago. She had multiple opportunities to report it to the Senate, the police, or any authority, yet she did not,” Nwoko stated.

A Call for Prudence and Institutional Integrity

Nwoko’s comments highlight his belief that the controversy could have been handled more discreetly and that the Senate’s actions were driven by a commitment to upholding its rules and integrity. His remarks also underscore the complexities of navigating such sensitive issues within Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal relationships and public perceptions often intersect.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the controversy continues to spark debates about accountability, gender dynamics, and the role of institutions in addressing allegations of misconduct.