A heated confrontation unfolded on Tuesday during a Senate committee hearing, as Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, engaged in a bitter exchange. The altercation occurred during deliberations on a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The contentious session took place in the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, where the committee was addressing various issues, including the ongoing petition. The scene quickly turned chaotic, as verbal insults were exchanged between the two prominent figures, halting proceedings for a brief period.
The hearing, which was meant to discuss a petition brought forward by Akpoti-Uduaghan, quickly became a battleground for emotions when tension escalated between the participants. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposition, had filed the petition accusing Senate President Akpabio of misconduct. The hearing was set to investigate these claims, with several individuals, including Ezekwesili and Abiola Akiode, counsel to the petitioner, present to offer their perspectives on the matter.
The situation took a turn when Zubairu Yakubu, a petitioner, attempted to speak while committee chairman, Neda Imaseun, was addressing the panel. His microphone was muted, prompting Ezekwesili to intervene, attempting to ensure that the discussion proceeded according to protocol. This moment of tension quickly spiralled when Senator Nwaebonyi, who was present as a witness for Akpabio, interjected.
The altercation began when Ezekwesili, frustrated with the ongoing disruption, addressed Nwaebonyi sharply, telling him to “compose yourself and stop making noise.” The former minister’s remark seemingly triggered an immediate and emotional response from the senator.
Angry at Ezekwesili’s comment, Nwaebonyi retorted, calling her a “fool” and questioning her authority. “What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it,” he responded, his voice rising. “You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
Ezekwesili, not backing down, responded by calling Nwaebonyi a “hooligan.” This exchange of insults left the room in stunned silence, as it became clear that the dispute had gone far beyond a simple disagreement. Both figures, known for their strong personalities and public presence, continued to argue, with the confrontation escalating to the point where committee proceedings were briefly halted.
Following the chaotic outburst, committee chairman Neda Imaseun stepped in to restore order. Imaseun, who had been overseeing the session, was forced to call for a brief pause to allow tempers to cool and the room to regain some semblance of decorum. After the short disruption, Imaseun announced that the case was now in the hands of the courts, signaling that the matter would be adjourned until further notice.
The incident left the room in disarray, with many observers questioning the professionalism displayed by the parties involved. The clash between Nwaebonyi and Ezekwesili overshadowed the key issues that were meant to be addressed at the hearing.
The petition at the heart of the Senate hearing was filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of various forms of misconduct. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former governorship candidate in Kogi State and outspoken critic of some of the Senate’s practices, has long been a political rival to Akpabio. The petition detailed allegations that Akpabio had engaged in improper conduct during his time as the Senate President.
The committee was tasked with investigating these claims, with several witnesses and legal representatives present to provide testimonies and evidence. The presence of high-profile individuals, including Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi, added a layer of complexity to the proceedings, as their opposing political and personal interests seemed to ignite the heated confrontation.
The public reaction to the exchange was swift, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their disbelief at the events that transpired. Critics of Nwaebonyi’s actions condemned his aggressive response to Ezekwesili, questioning the decorum expected of elected officials. Meanwhile, supporters of the senator argued that he had been provoked and that Ezekwesili had overstepped her bounds by publicly addressing him in such a manner.
Ezekwesili, a former World Bank official and a vocal advocate for good governance, has long been respected for her stance on transparency and accountability. Many of her supporters viewed her as being unfairly attacked during the exchange and called for greater respect for women in public office.
The altercation is the latest in a series of public spats and controversies within the Senate, drawing attention to the increasingly polarized nature of Nigerian politics. The incident raised questions about the ability of lawmakers to conduct their duties professionally, especially when contentious political figures are involved.
Senator Nwaebonyi’s outburst against Ezekwesili also highlighted the tensions that exist within the Nigerian Senate, where accusations of misconduct, corruption, and partisanship often shape the political discourse. This altercation further underscores the challenge of maintaining decorum in a political environment marked by deep divisions.
For Akpoti-Uduaghan, the events at the hearing may have had a dual effect. While the heated exchange may have drawn attention to her petition against Akpabio, the chaos in the room could also undermine the seriousness of the matter being discussed. The disruption distracted from the core issues of the hearing and shifted focus to the personalities involved.
As the case moves to the court, it remains to be seen how the legal process will unfold. The court will now have the responsibility of addressing the allegations brought forward by Akpoti-Uduaghan and determining whether any legal or ethical violations occurred within the Senate.
