Senator Natasha Akpoti Reacts As Oby Ezekwesili And Senator Nwaebonyi Trade Insults Over Her Petition Against Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to the heated verbal exchange between former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North during a Senate hearing on her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The altercation occurred on Tuesday, March 26, during a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President.
Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
Trouble started when the petitioner urged the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.
He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral.
His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.
Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings. However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out.
She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.”
This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, saying,
“Can’t you respect yourself? Shut up your dirty mouth, smelling mouth. Look at you. You are a fool. You are a fool at 70. I am a Senator. I said you are a fool. Why are you talking to me like that?
“You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
READ ALSO: Sexual Harassment: Oby Ezekwesili Slams Senate As She Hails Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.
The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
Following the dramatic exchange, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan took to social media to express her admiration for Ezekwesili, acknowledging her courage in the face of verbal attacks.
On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“Dr. @obyezeks, Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us… as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.
Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire generations. A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience, and selfless service. You are a hero. #Leadership #Inspiration.”
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