Senate President Godswill Akpabio apologised publicly to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, on Tuesday for remarks he made last week implying she was speaking "like she was in a nightclub."

The incident happened when Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke without being recognised by the Senate President.

Speaking on the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio apologised for his remarks and reiterated his respect for women.
"I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women", he said.

Akpabio stated that both his phone and his wife’s phone had been bombarded with calls and text messages, many of which were insulting.

Addressing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan directly, Akpabio said, “Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologize to you. The interest shown on social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I did not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward.”

He also addressed the wider problem of social media decorum, noting, “Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t regulate social media out of anger.”
In reaction to social media reports that he had "numerous girlfriends," Akpabio flatly dismissed the charges. "I have only one wife and she is enough for me" he said.