‘You Took the Insults for Me’: Akpoti-Uduaghan Thanks Ezekwesili After Senate Row
In a powerful and emotional public statement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central expressed her heartfelt gratitude to former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, following a confrontation that took place during a Senate committee hearing on March 25, 2025. The row occurred in the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, where Akpoti-Uduaghan had raised a fresh petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The petition, which accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, had already caused significant tensions within the Senate, but the altercation between Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi escalated the matter even further.
YOU MAY READ
Oby Ezekwesili Shares Her Account of Altercation with Senator Nwaebonyi
The heated exchange began when Ezekwesili, who had been invited to appear as a witness in support of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, became embroiled in a verbal clash with Senator Nwaebonyi. The senator, a staunch supporter of Akpabio, had repeatedly interrupted Ezekwesili, who was attempting to speak and provide testimony during the proceedings. In response, Ezekwesili, visibly frustrated by the constant interruptions, demanded that Nwaebonyi “compose himself” and “stop making noise.” She also implored him to “please, shut up.”
What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated when Nwaebonyi angrily retorted, calling Ezekwesili a “fool” and accusing her of insulting womanhood. “People like you cannot be here,” he added, further inflaming the situation. The personal insults and disrespect directed toward Ezekwesili were met with a forceful defense from Akpoti-Uduaghan, who watched in disbelief as the altercation unfolded.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Akpoti-Uduaghan took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to publicly apologize to Ezekwesili and express her deep gratitude for the former minister’s courage and leadership. In her post, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged that Ezekwesili had taken the insults not just for her, but for all women and leaders striving for justice and integrity in the country.
“Ma’am, I apologize for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote. She went on to praise Ezekwesili’s unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy, which has continued to inspire Nigerians across generations.
“Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education, and democracy continues to inspire generations. A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience, and selfless service. You are a hero,” Akpoti-Uduaghan continued.
This powerful statement underscored the significance of the confrontation and its emotional toll on both women, as well as the broader political implications for Nigerian leadership and the fight for justice. It was a moment that revealed not only the personal struggles faced by Akpoti-Uduaghan but also highlighted the broader struggles of women in politics, particularly in a patriarchal system.
The altercation in the Senate was not just a personal dispute between two individuals, but rather a reflection of the deep political divisions and power struggles within Nigeria’s Senate. At the heart of the conflict was Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had previously accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, was seeking the Senate’s intervention in the matter.
YOU MAY READ
Senator Onyeka Nwaebonyi Shares His Account of Exchange with Oby Ezekwesili During Public Hearing
Sexual harassment allegations in Nigerian politics have often been a source of controversy and tension, with powerful individuals frequently using their influence to silence victims and protect themselves from public scrutiny. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to raise her voice against such behavior was a bold one, and it did not come without consequences. The allegations against Akpabio were serious, and his supporters, including Nwaebonyi, were determined to challenge Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts.
During the committee hearing, Nwaebonyi, who also serves as the deputy chief whip of the Senate, attempted to disrupt the proceedings by repeatedly interrupting Ezekwesili as she attempted to speak. Nwaebonyi’s interruptions were not merely procedural but appeared to be deeply personal, as he directed harsh verbal attacks at Ezekwesili. This was particularly troubling given Ezekwesili’s stature as a respected former minister and advocate for transparency and good governance.
Nwaebonyi’s response to Ezekwesili’s request for him to “compose himself” and “stop making noise” was an escalation of the situation. His insults were not only directed at Ezekwesili but also at her integrity and position as a respected leader. When he called her a “fool” and accused her of insulting womanhood, the personal nature of his attack became evident. The fact that these insults were aimed at one of the most respected figures in Nigerian public life only served to underscore the toxic and hostile environment women often face in political spaces.
The incident between Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi also drew attention to the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics. Despite the progress that has been made over the years in terms of women’s representation in the political sphere, women in Nigeria continue to face significant barriers in terms of acceptance, respect, and equality in political spaces. Women who speak out against powerful figures or engage in the public discourse on issues of national importance often face gender-based attacks and character assassinations.
Ezekwesili, a well-known advocate for transparency and accountability, has long been a target for critics who seek to discredit her efforts. The insult directed at her during the Senate hearing was not just a personal attack but also a reflection of the broader systemic challenges women face when they challenge the status quo in Nigeria’s political system. The fact that a powerful male senator like Nwaebonyi felt emboldened to insult and belittle Ezekwesili in such a public manner speaks to the gender dynamics at play in Nigerian politics.
Similarly, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own political career has been marked by similar challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated political environment, she has had to navigate the complexities of power dynamics while advocating for justice and accountability. Her public apology to Ezekwesili was a recognition of the solidarity that exists between women in politics, particularly in the face of adversity. It was also a recognition of the emotional and psychological toll that such public insults can have on individuals, especially women who are often subject to misogynistic attacks.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public apology to Ezekwesili was not only an act of personal gratitude but also a statement of solidarity between women who are fighting for justice and equality. By acknowledging that Ezekwesili had taken the insults “for me … for us,” Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the collective struggle that women face when they speak out in defense of their rights and principles. It was a powerful moment of support from one woman to another, recognizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of integrity and good governance.
In her message, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the importance of leadership, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Ezekwesili has long been regarded as a champion of accountability and good governance, and her response to the insults was a testament to her strength as a leader. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words acknowledged this strength, celebrating Ezekwesili as a “true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.”
At the same time, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s apology served as a reminder of the importance of mutual support among women in politics. In a political system that is often hostile to female leadership, it is essential that women stand together, offer support to one another, and continue to push for systemic change. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public show of gratitude was an expression of that solidarity and a call to continue the fight for a more inclusive and respectful political environment.
The confrontation between Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi in the Senate raised broader questions about the nature of political discourse and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics. The fact that a respected former minister was subjected to such verbal abuse in the Senate underscores the toxic culture that exists within some political institutions in the country. It also highlights the challenges that women face when they attempt to participate in the political process or challenge powerful individuals.
The altercation also brought attention to the broader political issues at play, including Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Akpabio and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria’s political system. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts to hold Akpabio accountable for alleged sexual harassment were met with resistance from Akpabio’s supporters, who sought to discredit her and silence her claims. The Senate row, therefore, became not just a personal clash but also a reflection of the broader political battles taking place behind the scenes.
In the aftermath of the Senate confrontation, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public apology to Ezekwesili was a powerful moment of leadership and resilience. It was an acknowledgment of the personal sacrifices made by women in politics and a recognition of the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words served as a tribute to Ezekwesili’s integrity, courage, and visionary leadership, and they reinforced the need for continued efforts to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigerian politics.
The incident also highlighted the challenges that women continue to face in political spaces, where misogyny and gender-based attacks are often used to silence and discredit their voices. However, the solidarity between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ezekwesili, as well as their shared commitment to justice, serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of women in Nigerian politics.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of leadership, governance, and justice, the courage shown by Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ezekwesili in standing up for what they believe in will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same. Their unwavering commitment to the values of integrity, accountability, and good governance will remain a source of strength and inspiration in the ongoing struggle for a better Nigeria.
Source: The Trent
