A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on Tuesday when Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, clashed with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili. The heated exchange occurred during the discussion of a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a key figure in the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged sexual harassment by Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Ezekwesili, who was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu, found herself at the center of the confrontation. Trouble began when the petitioner, Yakubu, urged the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down from the case. He cited the “controversial” manner in which Imasuen had previously handled the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio, raising concerns about impartiality.
Yakubu questioned the fairness of the process, saying, “How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he argued compromised their neutrality in the matter. His remarks angered several lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility and fairness.
Ezekwesili, who had been vocal throughout the proceedings, was also called out for allegedly attempting to impose herself on the proceedings. Despite this, she remained firm in her desire to be heard. “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria,” she asserted, insisting on her right to participate in the discussion. This stance only escalated the situation, drawing a sharp response from Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her in an explosive exchange.
“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,” Nwaebonyi said, visibly enraged. Ezekwesili, refusing to back down, retaliated by calling him a “hooligan,” further intensifying the altercation. The verbal clash briefly disrupted the hearing, leaving participants and observers in shock.
After the confrontation, order was eventually restored, and Senator Patrick Ndubueze, representing Imo West, appealed for calm, urging all parties to respect the decorum of the Senate. “We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. 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,” Ndubueze remarked.
He further stated that while every citizen has the right to be heard, there are rules and procedures that govern Senate proceedings. “Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognized 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 added, urging for adherence to the Senate’s established rules.
Despite the call for calm, the tension led to the hearing being adjourned indefinitely by Chairman Imasuen. He noted the complications arising from the ongoing court cases involving both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to defend the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The adjournment reflected the complex legal entanglements surrounding the petition.
Following the adjournment, Ezekwesili addressed the media, offering a sharp critique of the Senate’s handling of the case. She described the committee’s approach as a “gross violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and the legal framework that governs such matters. Ezekwesili was particularly critical of the committee’s insistence on prioritizing Senate rules over constitutional provisions 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 stated, condemning the Senate for placing its internal rules above the law of the land. She pointed to the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as another example of the Senate overstepping its bounds without due regard for constitutional procedures.
Ezekwesili continued, “The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing—using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues.” She called for a more transparent and constitutional approach to addressing such petitions, warning that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent.
“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,” she added. Her remarks echoed growing concerns about the impartiality of the Senate and its ability to handle such sensitive issues without bias or interference from powerful figures.
In her closing statement, Ezekwesili issued a stern warning about the potential consequences of the Senate’s actions. “The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice,” she said, calling for a stronger commitment to constitutional integrity and fairness in the country’s legislative processes.
