Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan and former Minister of Education, Obey Ezekwesili have exchange warm notes over the verbal exchange between the ex- Minister and Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi during a Senate hearing on Tuesday. She apologized to the former Minister on her X handle, praising her for standing in support of women’s rights.
The assault happened at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Akpoti- Uduaghan for which her counsel, Abiola Akioyode- Afolabi alongside Ezekwesili, and Chief Petitioner from Kogi Central senatorial district, Zubairu Yakubu, made appearances.
The stage for the confrontation was set when the petitioner asked Chairman of the Senate Committee, Neda Imasuen to step down, giving the controversial manner he had handled the allegation of sexual harassment and abuse of office levied by Akpoti- Uduaghan against President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. Tempers flared as some Senators found that request insulting.
Ezekwesili’s request to be allowed to speak as a witness in the matter further angered Senators with Nwaebonyi calling her an ” insult to motherhood, you are a fool, why are you talking to me like that,”. Ezekwesili replied by calling him a ”hooligan”
The meeting had to be called off.
Senator Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely following observations that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan have a case in court and the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to defend her allegation.
Addressing journalists after the hearing, Ezekwesili described the Senate’s approach as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and legal framework.
She criticised the committee’s insistence on prioritising Senate rules over constitutional provisions, particularly in cases involving disciplinary actions and petitions.
“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” Ezekwesili stated.
She also referenced the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that it was carried out without due regard for constitutional provisions.
“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing—using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues,” she said.
She added, “If a petitioner says they do not believe the Senate committee will give them a fair hearing due to clear bias, it is only just that an independent body reviews the matter.”
She also warned that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent where internal rules override the Constitution.
“The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice,” she said.
Taking to her X handle, Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan apologized to the former Minister this:
“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 ❤️
Ezekwesili replied: Very kind words, dear Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti ! 🫂
Yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that Becomes.
Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them.
An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become.
We all must refuse that for Nigeria.
We STAND ON! ✍🏾
