Senate President Godswill Akpabio has apologized to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for his controversial "nightclub" remarks. Akpabio, who faced backlash for allegedly disrespecting female senators, stated he never intended to demean anyone. He also denied social media claims about his personal life, urging a focus on national progress.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued a public apology to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, following controversial remarks he made about her conduct. During a recent session, Akpabio commented that Akpoti-Uduaghan was speaking as if she were in a "nightclub," a remark that drew significant backlash.
The incident occurred when Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke without prior recognition from the Senate President. This remark was seen as dismissive and disrespectful, contributing to a heated debate about the treatment of female senators. Akpabi's comment also came under scrutiny after similar criticisms were directed at Ireti Kingibe, another senator who had voiced concerns about exclusion from national discussions.
In response to the uproar, Akpabio addressed the Senate floor on Tuesday, expressing regret for his comments. He emphasized that his intention was never to demean any woman and noted the volume of calls and texts his family received following the incident, many of which were critical. Akpabio acknowledged the need for a respectful discourse and urged people to focus on issues that advance the country.
Additionally, Akpabio refuted claims circulating on social media regarding his personal life, clarifying that he has only one wife. His apology follows criticism from the Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), which condemned the remarks as disrespectful to female legislators.
