The Nigerian Senate witnessed a dramatic showdown on Tuesday as former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi clashed during a heated committee hearing.

What Sparked the Exchange?

The confrontation erupted during a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, where a fresh petition was being reviewed.

The petition, submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, challenged the handling of an alleged sexual harassment case involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Zubairu Yakubu, the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, accused the committee chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, of bias, arguing that some members had ties to Akpabio, making their judgment questionable.

His statement sparked outrage among lawmakers, who saw it as an attempt to discredit the committee. However, Ezekwesili stood firm, insisting on her right to be heard.

“You’re a Fool!” – War of Words Ensues

Tensions peaked when Ezekwesili requested to be sworn in as a witness, declaring, “I am a citizen of Nigeria.”

Senator Nwaebonyi, visibly angered, lashed out, saying, “You’re a fool! What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? You are an insult to womanhood!”

Ezekwesili did not back down, firing back, “You are a hooligan!”

The fiery exchange momentarily halted proceedings as the committee struggled to restore order.

Calls for Calm as Senate Adjourns Hearing

Following the verbal altercation, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo West) urged the committee to maintain decorum, saying, “This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a marketplace.”

With tempers still flaring, the committee chairman, Imasuen, adjourned the hearing indefinitely, citing an ongoing court case between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio’s wife.

Ezekwesili Slams Senate Over “Unconstitutional” Actions

Speaking to journalists afterward, Ezekwesili condemned the Senate’s approach, accusing them of prioritizing internal rules over constitutional provisions.

“The Nigerian 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 warned.

What’s Next?

With the hearing suspended, all eyes are on the Senate’s next move. Will the committee address the allegations fairly, or will this dispute further erode public trust in Nigeria’s legislative body?

Stay updated with NIGPOST for the latest developments.