A heated exchange broke out between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Tensions Rise Over Sexual Harassment Allegation
The confrontation occurred during the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ezekwesili attended the session alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, legal counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
The hearing focused on allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with petitioners demanding a fair and unbiased review of the case.
Calls for Chairman’s Recusal Sparks Outrage
During the hearing, Yakubu called on Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen to step down, citing bias in how he had handled the case.
How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the point of presenting our case when a verdict has been predetermined?
– Yakubu –
He also accused some committee members of having close ties to Akpabio, which, he argued, compromised their neutrality.
His remarks angered several lawmakers, who accused him of undermining the committee’s credibility.
Ezekwesili, who had requested to be put under oath as a witness, insisted on her right to speak as a Nigerian citizen.
However, Senator Nwaebonyi reacted angrily, interrupting her:
“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 fired back, calling him a “hooligan”, further escalating the tension.
The heated argument momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.
Senators Call for Calm
Following the altercation, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo West) appealed for restraint and decorum.
“We should stop behaving like people in a marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is unfortunate that you (the petitioner) say you don’t trust the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.”
He also emphasized that proper procedure must be followed, stating:
“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognized before you speak. That is the rule.”
Hearing Adjourned Indefinitely
Chairman Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely, citing: The absence of key witnesses, including Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife. Ongoing court proceedings involving both parties.
Ezekwesili Condemns Senate’s Actions Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Ezekwesili criticized the Senate’s handling of the case, calling it a violation of constitutional rights.
“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.”
She further accused the Senate of using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing serious allegations, citing the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as an example.
“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. If a petitioner does not believe they will get a fair hearing due to clear bias, an independent body should review the matter.”
Ezekwesili warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, where powerful individuals manipulate legal processes to suppress opposition and justice.
The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where the powerful silence dissent and evade accountability.
