A clash erupted during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili. The hearing, convened by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, was addressing a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning alleged sexual harassment. Ezekwesili, present at the hearing alongside the petitioner’s counsel and a chief petitioner, became embroiled in a heated exchange with Senator Nwaebonyi, escalating tensions and momentarily disrupting the proceedings.
The catalyst for the confrontation was a request for Ezekwesili to be placed under oath as a witness, which she reportedly refused. As Senator Nwaebonyi addressed the presiding officer, Ezekwesili allegedly interjected, telling him to “shut up” and calling him a “hooligan.” Nwaebonyi, taking exception to these remarks, retorted with derogatory comments, referring to Ezekwesili as an “insult to womanhood” and a “fool.” This verbal exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown clash, momentarily disrupting the hearing before order was restored.
In a subsequent interview with Channels Television, Senator Nwaebonyi defended his actions, asserting that Ezekwesili had instigated the confrontation by insulting his position as a senator and disrespecting him with her choice of words. He argued that being told to “shut up” and being called a “hooligan” by a former minister and a woman of her stature was unacceptable and warranted a strong response. He expressed no regret for his remarks, placing the onus of responsibility on Ezekwesili for initiating the altercation.
Ezekwesili’s presence at the hearing stemmed from her support for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Akpabio. The initial petition had alleged sexual harassment, a claim which Akpabio denied. The fresh petition further raised concerns about the handling of the initial complaint. Zubairu Yakubu, the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, also questioned the impartiality of the committee chairman, Neda Imasuen, due to perceived ties to Akpabio, and urged him to step down. This request, coupled with the overall tension surrounding the sensitive allegations, contributed to the charged atmosphere that ultimately erupted in the Nwaebonyi-Ezekwesili clash.
The exchange between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili underscores the highly sensitive nature of the allegations against Senate President Akpabio and the intense scrutiny surrounding the Senate’s handling of the matter. The incident also highlights the emotional dynamics at play, with both parties feeling justified in their responses. While Nwaebonyi cited the need to defend his honor and position as a senator, Ezekwesili’s supporters might argue that her passion stemmed from her advocacy for the petitioner and her belief in the importance of holding powerful figures accountable.
The clash between Senator Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili serves as a microcosm of the broader tensions and challenges inherent in addressing sensitive allegations within a political context. It also underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respect during such proceedings, even when emotions run high. The fallout from this incident is likely to continue to reverberate, potentially influencing the public perception of both individuals involved and impacting the ongoing deliberations regarding the petition against Senate President Akpabio. The clash, while unfortunate, provides a glimpse into the complexities and sensitivities surrounding allegations of misconduct within Nigeria’s political landscape.
