- Akpabio also denied social media posting claims that he has “numerous girlfriends”.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed regret for his recent remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. Akpabio had chastised Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking without permission, comparing her behavior to that of a “night club”.
This apology comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan was shut for speaking out of turn.
A similar incident had occurred earlier, where Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, was shut down for protesting her exclusion from key decisions regarding 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 posting 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.