“No Regrets! Senator Nwaebonyi Stands Firm After Fiery Clash with Ezekwesili”
The senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has justified his verbal altercation with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The dramatic exchange, which unfolded during a session of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, has sparked widespread reactions across political and social circles.
How the Clash Began
The hearing was convened to address a fresh petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Among those present were Ezekwesili and legal counsel Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, alongside the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.
Tensions rose when the petitioner questioned the credibility of the committee, urging the chairman, Neda Imasuen, to step down due to alleged bias in handling the sexual harassment claims against Akpabio. He further claimed that some committee members had existing ties to Akpabio, making their neutrality questionable.
This assertion did not sit well with certain senators, who saw it as an attempt to undermine the committee’s integrity. Ezekwesili, known for her bold stance on governance issues, also came under fire for what some lawmakers perceived as her insistence on interfering in the proceedings.
The Heated Verbal Exchange
The situation escalated when Ezekwesili insisted on being heard, asserting, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.” However, Nwaebonyi, angered by her persistence, lashed out, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”
Ezekwesili did not back down, firing back at Nwaebonyi and calling him a “hooligan.” The heated back-and-forth momentarily halted proceedings before calm was restored.
Nwaebonyi Stands by His Words
In a later interview with Channels Television, Nwaebonyi remained unapologetic, insisting that Ezekwesili provoked him by calling him a hooligan and telling him to “shut up.”
“It started when she was asked to take an oath because she claimed to be a witness,” Nwaebonyi recounted. “She refused, saying she couldn’t be placed under oath. As I was addressing the presiding officer, she turned to me and said, ‘Will you shut up your mouth? You are a hooligan.’”
He maintained that his response was justified, stressing that he would not allow such disrespect from a former minister and elder stateswoman.
“For a mother like her, a grandmother of her age, a former minister of the Federal Republic, to tell a sitting senator to shut up and call him a hooligan—that’s unacceptable,” Nwaebonyi stated.
When asked if he regretted the confrontation, he responded emphatically: “How can I regret the scenario? I gave it to her. Is it fair for her to address me that way? As a former minister and a grandmother, ask her first.”
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The incident has since sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some Nigerians have condemned the senator’s outburst as unbecoming of a public official, others believe Ezekwesili’s assertiveness may have contributed to the situation.
Supporters of Ezekwesili argue that Nwaebonyi’s remarks reflect deep-seated misogyny in Nigerian politics, where women who speak out are often met with hostility. On the other hand, Nwaebonyi’s backers insist that lawmakers deserve respect and should not be spoken to in a condescending manner.
As the controversy continues to dominate discussions, political analysts predict that this episode could further highlight the deep divisions in Nigeria’s political space and the challenges of maintaining civility in governance.
What’s Next?
It remains to be seen whether the Senate will take any disciplinary action regarding the incident or if both parties will eventually reconcile. Meanwhile, the core issue at the hearing—the petition against Senate President Akpabio—remains unresolved, adding another layer of intrigue to an already volatile political atmosphere.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
References
Senator Nwaebonyi Defends Heated Clash with Ezekwesili, Says He Has No Regrets