The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has apologised to the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over a controversial remark against her.
Akpabio cautioned Natasha last week on the Senate floor when she spoke without being recognised by the Senate president.
During the plenary, Akpabio had asked those in favour of the second reading of a bill to say ‘Aye’ while those against it to say ‘Nay’.
Senator Natasha subsequently rose to explain why she and some others were against the second reading of the bill.
Responding to her, Akpabio said, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub.”
Weeks prior, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, was also shut down when she protested that she was being excluded from the affairs of the nation’s capital.
Speaking on the floor of the red chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio apologised to Natasha, stating he would never intentionally denigrate any woman.
Akpabio said his phone and that of his wife had been bombarded with calls and text messages, mostly insults from many Nigerians.
He said, “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women. Distinguished Senator Natasha, 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.”