The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions witnessed a dramatic confrontation on March 25, 2025, as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, engaged in a heated verbal exchange. The committee was reviewing a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The situation escalated when Senator Nwaebonyi demanded that Ezekwesili and her team take an oath before presenting their case. Citing Senate rules, he insisted that all witnesses must be sworn in before giving testimony. However, Ezekwesili and her colleagues objected, requesting that their concerns be addressed first. This refusal triggered an intense back-and-forth between the two, with Ezekwesili calling Nwaebonyi a “disgrace to the Senate,” while he fired back, calling her a “fool” and an “insult to womanhood.”
Verbal Altercation Disrupts Proceedings
The hearing became even more chaotic when Ezekwesili intervened as petitioner Zubairu Yakubu attempted to speak while Committee Chairman Neda Imaseun was addressing the panel. Yakubu was instructed to mute his microphone, but Ezekwesili objected, which prompted an interjection from Senator Nwaebonyi. In response, Ezekwesili reportedly told Nwaebonyi to “shut up,” further inflaming the situation.
Infuriated, Nwaebonyi accused Ezekwesili of being disrespectful, leading to a verbal clash that momentarily halted the proceedings. Other lawmakers and committee members struggled to restore order before the hearing continued. Ultimately, Committee Chairman Imaseun ruled that the matter was already before a court, citing the Senate’s “sub judice” rule, and adjourned the session indefinitely.
Senate Dismisses Petition, Sparking Controversy
Following the heated session, the Senate Committee formally rejected Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition. According to Senator Imaseun, the petition was procedurally flawed because the senator personally signed it, violating Senate rules. Furthermore, the committee cited judicial involvement in the case, emphasizing that it could not be entertained due to legal constraints.
“The petition runs contrary to Senate rules and cannot be entertained,” Imaseun stated, effectively shutting down further debate on the matter. This decision sparked outrage from Ezekwesili and other civil society advocates, who criticized the Senate for failing to address serious allegations against its president.
Ezekwesili Condemns Senate’s Actions
Dr. Ezekwesili did not take the Senate’s decision lightly. In a strongly worded statement released on social media, she condemned the lawmakers’ handling of the case, calling it a “farcical” and “undemocratic” maneuver to shield Akpabio. She further criticized the Senate for allowing Akpabio to preside over proceedings despite being directly implicated in the allegations.
“Dismissing a serious accusation against the Senate President just like the Senators irresponsibly did yesterday is a democratic aberration. It cannot stand. Never,” she wrote on X. She argued that the rejection of the petition undermined public trust in the Senate and violated fundamental democratic principles.
Ezekwesili also insisted that the matter must be independently investigated, stressing that the Nigerian Senate is a public institution and must uphold accountability. “Our National Assembly belongs to the Nigerian people, not to politicians of any stripe and status,” she asserted.
Senator Nwaebonyi Apologizes but Defends His Actions
Amid public backlash over the altercation, Senator Nwaebonyi expressed regret for his choice of words, acknowledging that he should have shown more restraint. “I regret my choice of words to her because she’s old enough to be my mother,” he admitted. However, he maintained that respect must be mutual and suggested that Ezekwesili’s conduct provoked his reaction.
Despite the apology, the incident has ignited widespread debate on the decorum of public officials, the independence of legislative bodies, and the proper channels for addressing allegations against top government figures. Calls for a thorough and transparent inquiry into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition continue to grow, with many urging independent anti-corruption agencies to step in where the Senate has failed.
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians remain divided on whether the Senate’s decision was justified or a blatant cover-up to protect one of its most powerful members.
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