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| Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ezekwesili |
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has expressed deep admiration for former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, following a dramatic altercation at a Senate Committee hearing on March 25, 2025.
The clash arose during deliberations on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, involving allegations of sexual harassment.
Taking to social media platform X, Akpoti-Uduaghan praised Ezekwesili as a “champion of accountability” and a symbol of visionary leadership. She acknowledged the insults Ezekwesili endured during the hearing, particularly from Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North, who labeled her a “hooligan” and an “insult to womanhood.”
Despite the heated exchange, Ezekwesili stood firm, defending her position and calling for decorum.
In her post, Akpoti-Uduaghan apologized for the verbal attacks directed at Ezekwesili and expressed gratitude for her unwavering support.
She described Ezekwesili as a hero whose commitment to good governance and democracy continues to inspire Nigerians.
“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,” she wrote.
Also on X, Ezekwesili replied, “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.”
Recall that on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, tensions escalated at a Senate committee hearing in Abuja as former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, represented the suspended Kogi lawmaker.
The hearing addressed sexual harassment allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The session quickly turned contentious when a heated exchange broke out between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and Ezekwesili.
The argument escalated into name-calling and gender-based insults, with Nwaebonyi referring to Ezekwesili as an “insult to womanhood” and a “fool,” while she labeled him a “hooligan.”
Ezekwesili accused the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, of bias and called for his recusal to ensure fairness. She emphasized the need for public accountability, stating that society must not allow powerful entities to silence voices seeking justice.
She criticized the Senate for allegedly avoiding the core issue of sexual harassment and insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan deserves justice.
Ezekwesili expressed satisfaction that the incident had garnered public attention, highlighting the challenges women face in patriarchal systems. She vowed not to tolerate disrespect from such entities, underscoring her commitment to accountability and justice.
The incident highlights growing tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape as calls for accountability intensify.
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