Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has expressed satisfaction with her recent verbal exchange with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, during a Senate Committee hearing. The altercation, which occurred on Tuesday, has since sparked nationwide discussions on gender representation and respect in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday, Ezekwesili noted that the heated exchange was a reflection of the struggles women endure in a predominantly patriarchal society. According to her, the incident brought to the fore the urgent need for a more inclusive and respectful political environment.
“I was very pleased with what happened because it has now exposed the challenges that women face daily in spaces dominated by men. The rest of society might have an idea, but this incident has placed it at the top of our national discourse. We cannot continue to silence voices simply because they belong to women,” she stated.
The Heated Exchange
The verbal clash unfolded during a Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing over a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili was in attendance alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a legal representative for Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Zubairu Yakubu, the chief petitioner from Kogi Central. The tension escalated when the petitioner raised concerns over the perceived bias of the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, urging him to step aside for a more impartial hearing. The petitioner further alleged that certain committee members had pre-existing political ties to Akpabio, potentially influencing their judgment.
His remarks were met with resistance from some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to discredit the committee’s integrity. As the hearing progressed, Ezekwesili’s request to be heard as a witness sparked further reactions, leading to an explosive exchange between her and Nwebonyi.
“I asked to be put on oath as a witness because I am a citizen of Nigeria,” Ezekwesili asserted.
Nwebonyi, however, lashed out, reportedly saying, “You’re a fool! Why are you talking to me like that? You are an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
In response, Ezekwesili fired back, calling him a “hooligan,” further heightening the altercation before order was restored in the session.
Call for Decorum in Politics
Following the incident, Ezekwesili reiterated the need for respect, decorum, and inclusivity in Nigerian politics. She urged lawmakers to foster a culture of engagement that allows both men and women to contribute meaningfully without resorting to intimidation or verbal attacks.
“The politics of insult and intimidation should have no place in a democracy. If Nigeria is to progress, we must learn to engage constructively, regardless of gender,” she said.
Meanwhile, the verbal exchange has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some calling for disciplinary measures against lawmakers who resort to insults rather than debates. Women’s rights groups and civil society organizations have also weighed in, demanding a more respectful and gender sensitive approach to political discourse in the country.
Political Fallout
The confrontation has sparked conversations about the broader issue of gender bias in Nigeria’s political system. Observers note that women in politics often face undue aggression and condescension, further discouraging female participation in governance.
In a related development, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had earlier submitted the petition against Akpabio, issued a public apology to Ezekwesili, acknowledging the unnecessary hostility faced by women in leadership roles.
With this incident shedding light on the urgent need for gender sensitivity in Nigerian politics, the spotlight remains on how the National Assembly will handle future engagements to promote fairness, equity, and respect for all voices in governance.