Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Wednesday, apologised to a former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, over her altercation with the senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who called her “a fool” during a heated senate hearing, Tuesday, on Natasha’s fresh sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan tendered the apology to Dr. Ezekwesili, Wednesday, on X, in her initial response to the clash during which the Imo Senator, who is also the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, hurled insults on the former Education Minister.
The Kogi Central Senator also commended the former Minister for her unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy, describing her as “a hero”.
“Ma’am, I apologise for the insults,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote on X. “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.”
The Crest had reported, Tuesday, on the clash between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili while the latter was attending the public hearing with Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
But no sooner that the hearing started than trouble burst like a sudden storm.
The petitioner had urged the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, to recuse himself from the process following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position?” Yakubu queried. “What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?”
Not only that, Yakubu alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he insisted compromised their ability to be neutral.
Yakubu’s remarks got some lawmakers on the wrong side and they snapped. They accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.
Ezekwesili’s insistence that she be heard sparked fierce reaction from the lawmakers who felt she was forcing herself into the proceedings.
Ezekwesili was not bothered by the reaction. She stood her ground, insisting that she be heard.
“I asked to be put on oath as a witness,” she said. “I am a citizen of Nigeria.”
Her insistence triggered a heated argument with Nwaebonyi lashing at her, 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 called him a “hooligan,” and the fire escalated. The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
After the tension was doused, the legislator representing Imo West, Senator Patrick Ndubueze appealed for calm before addressing the committee.
“We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace,” he counselled. “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.
“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognised before you speak. That is the rule. We cannot just jump to answer questions because you are a petitioner. This is a Standing Committee,” he said.
However, Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely following observations that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan have a case in court coupled with the absence of the Kogi Central lawmaker to defend her allegation.
Speaking with journalists after the hearing, Ezekwesili described the Senate’s approach as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and legal framework.
She decried the committee’s insistence on placing Senate rules above 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 said.
Speaking on the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ezekwesili posited that it was carried out without due regard for the constitution.
“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land,’ Ezekwesili maintained. “Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing-using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues.
“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.”
The former Minister of Education warned that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent where internal rules override the Constitution.
“The Senate must respect the Constitution,” she continued. “Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice.”
