Politics

Akpabio: Nigerians Bombarded My Phone Over Nightclub Remark Directed at Natasha

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 24th, 2024.

Akpabio: Nigerians Bombarded My Phone Over Nightclub Remark Directed at Natasha

Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted how Nigerians inundated his phone with calls following a nightclub-related comment he made about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During a recent plenary session, Akpabio remarked to Natasha that the Senate chamber was not a “nightclub” and insisted she be formally recognized before speaking. This comment sparked significant backlash from the public.

Addressing the issue during a subsequent plenary, Akpabio apologized, stating he had no intention of offending Senator Natasha or denigrating women. He attributed the intense reaction on social media to political adversaries.

Akpabio revealed that his wife’s phone number had been publicly shared, resulting in over 3,000 daily calls. He explained, “I am still learning. Even those of us with 16 years in the Senate are still learning, so we must continue to grow.”

He further clarified, “While addressing a distinguished colleague, I emphasized the need for recognition before speaking, likening it to the need for order, unlike in a nightclub where people shout over music. This statement was misconstrued on social media. I am not active on social media, but my wife informed me about the public anger, which led to her number being widely shared. She received thousands of calls daily. When I turned on my phone, it also became overwhelmed and eventually crashed within three hours.”