Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has claimed that he never pursued his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels, for marriage.

The lawmaker made the revelation while reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding his six-year marriage to the Nollywood star.

Recall that Regina Daniels recently accused Nwoko of domestic violence, declaring she was no longer interested in the marriage. In response, the Senator alleged that Regina was battling substance abuse and should be admitted into a rehabilitation center.

The public fallout between the couple has sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians — including celebrities — criticizing Nwoko for allegedly marrying Regina when she was 17 years old, and demanding his resignation from the Senate.

Addressing the controversy in a statement released by his Communication and Technical Action Team, Nwoko denied the allegations, stating that Regina’s mother, Rita Daniels, personally introduced and brought her to him for marriage.

“For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married to me for six years, that means she married at 19, not 17,” Nwoko said.

“The public witnessed her family giving her away in marriage. There were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me. I never went after her.”

The statement has since stirred further reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for calm and urging both parties to settle their differences privately.