ICYMI: ‘You’re a fool!’ – Senator Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili Engage in Fiery Exchange at Hearing
ICYMI: ‘You’re a fool!’ – Senator Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili Engage in Fiery Exchange at Hearing
In a dramatic incident during a Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, tensions flared between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili. The confrontation arose amidst discussions centered on a petition by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which prompted a request for the committee’s chairman, Neda Imasuen, to recuse himself due to perceived bias regarding alleged sexual harassment claims against Akpabio.
The clash escalated when the chief petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu, expressed concerns over the committee’s integrity, suggesting that some members’ connections to Akpabio compromised their impartiality. His comments ignited frustration among the lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.
Ezekwesili faced criticism for insisting on her right to contribute, stating, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.” This assertion led to Nwaebonyi’s explosive response, calling her “a fool” and declaring that her presence was an insult to women. In return, Ezekwesili labeled him a “hooligan,” intensifying the verbal skirmish that temporarily disrupted the proceedings.
As order was finally restored, Senator Patrick Ndubueze urged for decorum, reminding participants that the Senate should not resemble a marketplace. He highlighted the need for respect within the committee, emphasizing that the citizens’ trust is essential for its operation.
Ultimately, the hearing was adjourned indefinitely, partly due to the overlapping legal cases involving Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to address the allegations.
Following the hearing, Ezekwesili voiced her concerns to the media, condemning the Senate’s conduct as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and urging that the Senate prioritize constitutional provisions over internal rules. She specifically criticized the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming it lacked constitutional justification.
