Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence regarding the ongoing public controversy surrounding the timeline of his marriage to Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, specifically addressing claims that she was a minor when they wed.
Official Statement on Marriage Timeline
The Delta North senator issued a formal clarification through his Communication/Technical Action Team, which was subsequently cited by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, November 10. In his statement, Nwoko directly confronted allegations that he married Daniels when she was underage.
The federal lawmaker emphatically stated that Regina Daniels was 19 years old at the time of their marriage, not 17 as some had claimed. He provided specific calculations to support his position, noting: "For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17."
Cultural Context and Political Allegations
Nwoko further elaborated on the cultural dimensions of their union, emphasizing that their marriage followed proper traditional protocols. He highlighted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage and that her mother personally brought her to him.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain defended polygamy within the context of Nigerian customs and traditions, stating: "Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honourably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity."
Nwoko expressed frustration that what he described as a proper traditional marriage was being "twisted into a tool for political blackmail."
Escalating Marital Conflict and Public Reaction
The clarification comes amid an increasingly public marital dispute between the senator and the Nollywood actress that began in October. The conflict initially gained attention when a viral video showed Daniels in tears, making domestic violence allegations against Nwoko.
The situation intensified dramatically on November 3 when Daniels accused Nwoko of orchestrating the arrest of her brothers, adding another layer to the already complex situation.
Nwoko had previously responded to the initial allegations by claiming his estranged wife was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The case has drawn significant attention from Nigerian netizens, with many expressing concern about the unfolding drama.
The controversy has also attracted commentary from public figures, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who accused Nwoko of abuse of power and crimes against a minor. Sowore described Regina's revelation about allegedly marrying at 17 as amounting to "statutory sexual assault" and insisted that Nwoko "must be held accountable" for his alleged offences.
