A Senate hearing on Tuesday took an intense turn as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, clashed during proceedings. The verbal exchange, which briefly disrupted the session, occurred during the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions’ review of a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The session, attended by key figures including legal counsel Abiola Akiode and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu, became contentious when Yakubu attempted to speak while the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imaseun, was addressing the room. He was instructed to mute his microphone, but when Ezekwesili attempted to intervene, she was interrupted by Nwaebonyi, leading to a heated verbal exchange.
Ezekwesili responded by telling Nwaebonyi to “compose himself and stop making noise,” a remark that provoked a strong reaction. The senator fired back, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.” Ezekwesili, in turn, called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the confrontation.
If you recall, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that led to significant controversy and ultimately resulted in her six-month suspension from the Senate chamber. Additionally, a recall process is currently underway in Kogi State to remove her from office, a move that many allege is being orchestrated by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
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Following the altercation, order was restored, and Senator Imaseun ruled that the matter under discussion was already before a court of law. Consequently, the hearing was abruptly adjourned, bringing the proceedings to an unexpected close.
