Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has lauded former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, for her unwavering stand in the face of verbal hostilities during a Senate Committee hearing.
The heated exchange, which unfolded on Tuesday, saw Ezekwesili enduring insults while advocating for transparency and justice. In a heartfelt message on X on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep admiration for Ezekwesili’s resilience and principled leadership.
“Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know that you endured them for me… for us… as a mother and as a leader. You are a paragon of integrity, an embodiment of courage, and a beacon of visionary leadership,” she wrote.
She further extolled Ezekwesili’s dedication to democracy, education, and good governance, emphasizing that her selfless service and relentless pursuit of accountability continue to inspire generations.
In response, Ezekwesili took to X to reaffirm her commitment to justice, stating that insults were a small price to pay in the fight for a more just Nigeria.
“A torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that becomes. Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them. An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never become,” she asserted.
The dramatic face-off occurred in Abuja, where Ezekwesili, alongside legal counsel Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, represented Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Senate Committee investigating sexual harassment allegations involving the suspended senator and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
As proceedings commenced, a verbal showdown erupted between Ezekwesili and Onyekachi Nwebonyi, a senator from Ebonyi North Senatorial District. The exchange escalated into gendered insults and personal attacks, highlighting the deep-rooted resistance to accountability in the political landscape.
During the session, Ezekwesili challenged the legitimacy of the committee’s leadership, accusing its chairman, Senator Nedamwem Imasuen, of bias. She called for his immediate recusal, stressing that only a neutral arbiter could ensure a fair hearing.
Refusing to be intimidated, Ezekwesili declared that she was demanding public accountability, asserting that no institution—no matter how powerful—should suppress the voices calling for justice.
She rebuked the Senate’s diversionary tactics, emphasizing that the core issue at hand was sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio, not political maneuvering.
“I am gratified that this incident is now in the public domain. Let it be known that I will not tolerate condescension from any patriarchal stronghold. Justice must prevail,” she stated emphatically.
Ezekwesili’s bold stance and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public acknowledgment have reignited conversations on gender equity, accountability, and political integrity in Nigeria. As the case unfolds, many await to see whether the Senate will prioritize justice over political protectionism.
