Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, the senator representing Ebonyi North, has asserted that he holds a superior position to former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, citing “stratification” as the basis for his claim.
The statement follows a heated exchange between the two during a Senate ethics committee hearing on March 25, 2025.
The confrontation occurred during deliberations on a petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Tensions flared when Ezekwesili instructed Nwaebonyi to “shut up,” prompting the senator to respond sharply. Nwaebonyi later criticized Ezekwesili for labeling him a “hooligan” and ordering him to be silent, actions he deemed disrespectful to his position as a serving senator.
Despite the altercation, Nwaebonyi expressed regret for his choice of words, acknowledging Ezekwesili’s age and experience.
“She is old enough to be my mother,” he said, reflecting on the incident. However, he maintained that his rank as a senator places him above her former ministerial status.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate admitted that his remarks were inappropriate, taking into account Ezekwesili’s age.
Ezekwesili, the 61-year-old politician, served as the Minister of Solid Minerals and the Minister of Education under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“I must also say that I regret my choice of words towards her. She is old enough to be my mother,” Nwaebonyi said.
“However, her actions brought up my reaction. But having admitted publicly to what she said, I acknowledge that, and I commend her for it.”
Responding to whether such incidents deter female participation in politics, Nwaebonyi defended his record on encouraging women in politics.
“I’m one of those senators that has been supporting women’s emancipation and participation in politics,” he said.
“Respect is earned, not commanded. If you respect me, I respect you. If you yab me, I yab you.
“I am a senator of the Federal Republic by social stratification, I am higher than her in this country.
“She is supposed to respect me. She was a minister, but a senator is more senior than a minister.
“Respect is earned. She had no right to speak to me in that manner, telling me to shut up. That was immature.
“She got to her level by accident. But since she has now admitted publicly that she told me to shut up, I commend her for that.”
Late Tuesday, Ezekwesili admitted telling the lawmaker to shut up after the panel prevented them from speaking.
She added that Nwaebonyi’s reaction reflected the “indecorous behaviour” of some public officials in the country.
The clash has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the appropriateness of the exchange in a formal Senate setting. Nwaebonyi’s remarks have further fueled discussions on hierarchy and decorum within Nigeria’s political landscape.
0 comments:
Post a Comment