High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom and husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has spoken publicly for the first time regarding the ongoing dispute between his wife and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement released on Saturday, Uduaghan expressed his initial reluctance to address the matter but said recent developments had made it necessary to speak out.

He condemned what he described as an unnecessary distraction from the serious allegations raised, emphasizing that the issue at hand should concern all Nigerians with sound family values.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her. She is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the nation at large,” Uduaghan stated.

He described Senator Natasha as a devoted wife with unwavering integrity, stressing that she had always been truthful, even in the face of adversity.

Uduaghan revealed that he had personally intervened in the matter by meeting with Senate President Akpabio to address the alleged harassment his wife had been facing.

He said he approached the situation with “maturity and responsibility” as a traditional leader who respects constituted authority and upholds core family values.

“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably,” he said.

However, despite this agreement, Uduaghan claimed that his wife continued to experience harassment from Akpabio.

He reaffirmed his “unwavering faith” in his wife’s loyalty and commitment to their marriage, describing her as the “greatest joy of his life.”

Uduaghan called on the Nigerian Senate and its leadership to treat Senator Natasha with the “respect and dignity she truly deserves” while awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings on the matter.

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have reiterated that Mrs. Mojisola Meranda remains the Speaker of the House, dismissing claims of her resignation.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, made this known in a statement on Friday, asserting that Meranda continues to enjoy the support of 36 lawmakers.

His statement comes in response to former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s declaration on Thursday that he had reclaimed his position.

Obasa, who arrived at the Assembly complex with heavy security, insisted that he had never been lawfully removed and was back to take charge.

This marked Obasa’s first return to the Assembly since his removal in January over allegations of misconduct and financial impropriety.

His reappearance also coincided with reports that security operatives assigned to Speaker Meranda had been withdrawn.

However, Ogundipe dismissed any notion of Meranda stepping down, warning against attempts to destabilize the legislature.

He also condemned what he described as an illegal session convened by Obasa and a few lawmakers, noting that it lacked the necessary quorum, agenda approval, and legislative mace—key symbols of authority.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to upholding legislative integrity and democratic governance. Any attempt to mislead the public about the leadership of the House should be disregarded,” Ogundipe said.

He reaffirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to resolve internal disputes.

“We urge Lagosians and all stakeholders to ignore misinformation. The Assembly remains focused on its legislative responsibilities and the well-being of the people of Lagos,” he added.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that party leaders are committed to reclaiming the South-East as the party’s dominant region.

Speaking on Thursday at the PDP Zonal Congress in Enugu, Mbah emphasized that despite recent political shifts, the PDP remains the pride of the South-East and urged members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party’s ideals.

The congress saw the unanimous re-election of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South-East), James Ugwu as Zonal Secretary, and eight other members of the party’s zonal working committee.

Addressing delegates from the five South-East states, Mbah expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to meet the expectations of the people through good governance and people-centered leadership.

“I am proud to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our party members gathered here today,” Mbah said. “This is a testament to the resilience of our democracy and the unwavering belief in our party. The PDP has always been a party of the people, and we remain committed to delivering on the promises of good governance.”

He reiterated that the PDP has deep roots in the South-East and urged members to work towards sustaining the party’s dominance in the region.

“The South-East has always been a stronghold of the PDP. We have carried the party’s banner with pride, and we must ensure that this legacy continues,” Mbah declared. “Unity is key. Only through collective effort can we strengthen our party and secure a better future for our people.”

The congress was attended by key party stakeholders, including elected officials and party leaders, all of whom pledged their commitment to repositioning the PDP for greater success in the region.