Oby Ezekwesili Shares Her Account of Altercation with Senator Nwaebonyi
On March 25, 2025, a heated altercation took place at the Nigerian Senate chambers between the former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, who serves as the deputy spokesperson of the Senate. The incident occurred during a public hearing on the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The event has stirred considerable public attention, with Ezekwesili offering her account of the altercation in an exclusive interview on Arise TV.
The Senate hearing that led to the confrontation was a pivotal moment for many political observers. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Nigerian Senate, had leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The accusations were significant, as they involved a prominent public official and raised concerns about the conduct and integrity of Nigerian lawmakers.
Ezekwesili, a respected voice in Nigerian politics and advocacy, was among those who attended the public hearing in support of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her presence was part of a larger movement calling for accountability and transparency within the Nigerian Senate and the broader political establishment. However, her experience at the hearing was far from what she had anticipated.
According to Ezekwesili, the altercation began when she and other supporters of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan were dismissed by some members of the Senate, including Nwaebonyi. Ezekwesili described how she and others were treated dismissively by the lawmakers, who allegedly implied that they were “unserious” and did not belong in the proceedings. The situation quickly escalated when Senator Nwaebonyi was preparing to speak.
Ezekwesili explained that she interrupted Nwaebonyi, telling him to “shut up” in response to his actions. She emphasized that this was not a statement made lightly, but a direct reaction to the disrespectful treatment she and others had faced in the Senate. In her words, the senators had shown little regard for the gravity of the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and this dismissal was the final straw for her.
The altercation intensified when Senator Nwaebonyi fired back with insults directed at Ezekwesili. According to Ezekwesili, the senator’s response was harsh and personal, which only escalated the situation further. The heated exchange drew attention from those in attendance, and it became clear that the tension was not just about the particular issue at hand, but also reflective of larger frustrations within the political system.
In her interview on Arise TV, Ezekwesili made it clear that her outburst was not a spontaneous reaction but rather a culmination of frustration with how serious issues were being handled in the Senate. She expressed disappointment in the manner in which lawmakers, particularly Senator Nwaebonyi, were treating the allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. Ezekwesili emphasized that this was a matter of public interest and accountability, and the dismissive attitude of some senators was an affront to the pursuit of justice.
Ezekwesili also pointed to a broader issue of accountability in Nigerian politics, particularly regarding how powerful figures often escape scrutiny or censure. She argued that the Nigerian Senate and the political class, in general, often fail to address serious allegations with the gravity they deserve, and this lack of accountability undermines the integrity of the entire political system. Her altercation with Senator Nwaebonyi, she noted, was symptomatic of a much deeper issue within Nigerian politics – a refusal to confront uncomfortable truths and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for Ezekwesili’s stance. Her outburst was seen by many as a stand against the culture of impunity that has plagued Nigerian politics for years. The public hearing, which was meant to address serious allegations of sexual harassment, was overshadowed by the altercation, leading to widespread debate about the professionalism of Nigerian lawmakers and their handling of sensitive issues.
On the other hand, some critics of Ezekwesili questioned her approach, arguing that her response was too confrontational and not conducive to productive dialogue. Others, however, contended that the frustration displayed by Ezekwesili was justified, given the dismissive treatment she and others received during the proceedings. The altercation became a symbol of the tension between the political establishment and those who are calling for change and accountability.
In the aftermath of the altercation, Senator Nwaebonyi defended his actions, insisting that he had not insulted Ezekwesili and that his comments were in response to her disruptive behavior. He characterized the incident as a misunderstanding, claiming that his intention was never to disrespect Ezekwesili but rather to maintain order during the proceedings. However, Nwaebonyi’s defense did little to calm the controversy surrounding the incident.
The senator also downplayed the significance of the altercation, suggesting that it was a minor disagreement that should not distract from the larger issue of the sexual harassment allegations. While he acknowledged the importance of addressing such allegations, he maintained that the matter should be dealt with in a formal and respectful manner.
The incident between Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi highlights a deeper issue within Nigerian politics: the lack of accountability and transparency in the political establishment. Many Nigerians are frustrated with the way powerful figures are able to avoid scrutiny, often due to their political influence and status. The altercation also underscores the challenges faced by those who try to hold politicians accountable, especially when they challenge the status quo.
Ezekwesili’s actions reflect the broader discontent with the Nigerian political system and the increasing frustration with the failure of leaders to address serious issues with the urgency and seriousness they deserve. The altercation serves as a reminder that the fight for accountability is not without its challenges and that those who speak out against injustice may often face significant opposition.
As the public hearing continues, it remains to be seen how the Senate will handle the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio. The altercation between Ezekwesili and Senator Nwaebonyi has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the role of the Nigerian Senate in holding powerful figures accountable for their actions. For many Nigerians, the incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency, professionalism, and respect in the country’s political institutions.
In the wake of the altercation, there are calls for reform within the Senate and the broader political system, with many advocating for stronger mechanisms to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Ezekwesili’s stance has reignited discussions about the importance of justice and accountability in Nigerian politics, and her confrontation with Senator Nwaebonyi serves as a reminder that the fight for a fairer, more transparent political system is far from over.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian Senate will respond to the allegations against Senate President Akpabio, and whether the altercation between Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi will serve as a catalyst for broader change in the political landscape.
