Senator Nwebonyi has declared that he has no regrets over his heated confrontation with former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate hearing. Addressing the media, Nwebonyi stated emphatically, “I do not regret my action. She told me to shut my mouth, and I will never allow anyone, man or woman, to disrespect me in such a manner.” His statement has intensified the already growing controversy surrounding the Senate hearing on sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Nwebonyi insisted that his response to Ezekwesili was not just personal but a defense of his dignity and the Senate’s integrity. He argued that Ezekwesili’s conduct during the hearing was out of line, accusing her of trying to manipulate the proceedings. “She came to the Senate and acted as though she had authority over us. I will not stand by while someone undermines the decorum of the Senate,” he added.
The Altercation That Shook the Senate
Senator Nwebonyi was at the center of the dramatic exchange that erupted during the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing. The session was convened to investigate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, but tensions flared when Ezekwesili, who accompanied the petitioner, forcefully inserted herself into the debate.
Senator Nwebonyi took offense when Ezekwesili reportedly ordered him to “shut up” while he was making a statement. The senator did not hesitate to retaliate, calling her a “disgrace to womanhood” and labeling her behavior “hooliganism.” His remarks instantly sparked outrage, with some lawmakers attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, Nwebonyi remained unwavering, asserting that he would not tolerate any form of verbal attack, regardless of who it came from.
A Firm Defense of His Actions
Senator Nwebonyi has doubled down on his stance, arguing that his reaction was entirely justified. “If someone thinks they can walk into the Senate and dictate how I speak, they are mistaken. My response was not out of line—it was necessary,” he asserted. The senator dismissed any calls for an apology, maintaining that Ezekwesili’s actions provoked the entire situation.
Senator Nwebonyi further accused Ezekwesili of attempting to hijack the hearing for personal and political motives. “She came not to support the petitioner but to grandstand and create a spectacle. I was not the only one who saw through her antics,” he said. His comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some defending his stance while others condemn his words as excessive.
Public Reactions: Support and Criticism
Senator Nwebonyi’s defiant stance has drawn strong responses from both supporters and critics. Many of his allies within the Senate have backed him, arguing that he was merely standing his ground against what they see as Ezekwesili’s overbearing attitude. “He did nothing wrong,” said one unnamed senator. “If someone speaks to you disrespectfully, you have every right to respond.”
On the other hand, women’s rights activists and political observers have condemned Nwebonyi’s remarks, particularly his reference to Ezekwesili as a disgrace to womanhood. They argue that such language reinforces systemic misogyny in Nigeria’s political space. However, Nwebonyi has brushed off these criticisms, stating, “I will not apologize for defending myself. Respect is reciprocal.”
Implications for Akpabio’s Senate and Natasha’s Allegations
Senator Nwebonyi believes that his confrontation with Ezekwesili has broader implications for the conduct within the Senate. He has called for stricter enforcement of professional decorum during hearings, emphasizing that no one should be allowed to disrupt proceedings under the guise of advocacy. “This should be a lesson—no outsider should come into the Senate and think they can dictate how we conduct our affairs,” he remarked.
The altercation has somewhat overshadowed the original purpose of the hearing—the allegations against Akpabio. Some analysts argue that Nwebonyi’s outburst was a strategic distraction from the serious claims raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, others believe that the incident highlights the growing factionalism within the Senate and the lengths to which different camps are willing to go to defend their positions.
The Road Ahead: No Apologies, No Regrets
Senator Nwebonyi has categorically ruled out any possibility of issuing an apology, maintaining that he acted in self-defense. “I will never apologize for standing my ground,” he declared. “Ezekwesili should be the one apologizing for disrespecting a sitting senator.” His firm refusal to back down suggests that the controversy will not die down anytime soon.
As the political drama unfolds, many are watching closely to see if any disciplinary action will be taken against him. Meanwhile, the allegations against Akpabio remain a critical issue, with Akpoti-Uduaghan demanding that the Senate take decisive action. Whether this incident will shift focus away from the core allegations or fuel further divisions within the Senate remains to be seen.
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